As the UK continues to establish its position as a global film and television production hub, an increasing environmental impact of this work is compelling the industry to consider its carbon footprint. In 2023, the UK film and television industry saw its carbon emissions per hour of content rise by 33% to 16.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e/hr). This surge occurred despite rising awareness of the importance of sustainability in media production and increased environmental efforts.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are becoming a central consideration in how companies are valued, audited, and invested in - especially within long-term institutional portfolios like pension funds. Yet, while some companies are expanding their ESG commitments, others are scaling back, influenced by shifting political, economic, and regulatory landscapes. For aspiring accountants and those studying for qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, understanding how ESG developments impact financial reporting, investment analysis, and regulatory obligations is increasingly critical - not only for exam success but also for shaping future career trajectories.
Although valid questions have been raised about ESG, the need for companies to understand and address their externalities is likely to become essential to maintaining their social license.
In this article, we reflect on key trends in ESG over the first half of 2025 and look ahead at what to watch in the second half of 2025. We analyse developments, including the following major themes: - EU Omnibus Proposals – Continued Deferral in the Introduction of CSRD and CS3D - A First Look at This Year’s EU CSRD Reports - Comprehensive Overhaul of the UK’s ‘Transparency in Supply Chains’ Guidance - ESG in the Updated UK Stewardship Code - The UAE’s New Climate Law
Whilst historically, climate-related litigation has been focused on governments, a report published last year by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment showcased how, in recent years, climate litigation is being initiated more frequently against corporations for alleged Environment, Social and Governance (“ESG”) failings. One company who found themselves under fire for alleged “greenwashing” was Coca-Cola.
When I went to university in the 1980s, only around 5% of us leaving school in the UK found places. Today as many as half of all 18 year olds leaving school this year will go to one of our 147 institutions. Surely that’s great, isn’t? Well, not really. In this morning’s ‘Deloitte Monday Briefing’ they’ve taken a look at UK graduates’ prospects: “We start with three facts about UK higher education. UK graduates earn far more than non-graduates over their lifetime, are more likely to be in work and are far more likely to work later in life.”
In recent months, a troubling pattern has emerged; some of the world’s top organisations are quietly rolling back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs. What was once a corporate priority is now being questioned, criticised, and, in some cases, completely abandoned.
A new report by the University of Nottingham and law firm Browne Jacobson reveals that UK organisations remain firmly committed to ESG and sustainability, despite political shifts in the UK and US. The study, based on input from nearly 250 private and public sector bodies, found over 80% of organisations say sustainability is important, and three-quarters are willing to trade income or profit to meet their ESG objectives.
As global pressure mounts to decarbonise the shipping industry, the need for practical, scalable solutions has never been greater. Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), one of the world’s leading ship management companies, recently shared a compelling case study showing how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand - with measurable returns. Cleaner Combustion, Lower Costs EPS conducted an eight-month evaluation (April–November 2024) of ElimiNoxEco, a 100% organic fuel conditioner designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The trials spanned multiple vessel types - including tankers, bulk carriers, vehicle carriers, and container ships—using various fuels such as HSFO, VLSFO, and…
Mankind is killing the seas. That’s the message from David Attenborough’s new film Ocean, which has put bottom trawling in the crosshairs of environmental activists. So what? Bottom trawling and dredge fishing are among the most widespread methods of destructive fishing, but for decades they’ve been largely hidden from view. What has helped Ocean cut through - apart from Attenborough’s involvement - is rare footage that gives a fish-eye view of bottom trawling in action. The film has galvanised campaigners ahead of a UN summit on oceans next week. Drag. Bottom trawling involves pulling a heavy chain or metal beam…
