The ESG Handbook
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are increasingly considered as core business priorities for companies, boards and investors, with ESG representing an area of significant opportunity for many. Navigating the broad range of topics that fall under ESG, including regulatory developments, political impacts and stakeholder sentiment, requires multidisciplinary and global expertise from experienced practitioners.Featuring cross-jurisdictional insight, this important title covers a range of ESG topics in depth, containing contributions from leading legal professionals, industry experts and consultants. The book firstly discusses 'what is ESG?' before covering areas including supply chain topics, financial regulatory impacts, ESG disclosure obligations, M&A and private equity, among many other important subjects. Further, the book contains regional specific insights from practitioners on the ground and includes analysis on the diverse themes which underpin the current and future direction of ESG. Specific chapters are also dedicated to the emerging matters of ESG litigation, the evolving nature of technology in ESG, and the incorporation of ESG into enterprise risk management. The final part of the book looks at broader trends and developments in the area.Despite the large volume of information already available, this is one of the first publications to draw together the various strands of ESG into one book and provides a valuable source of information in this fast-evolving area. It will make important reading for all legal and other advisers and professionals with an interest in furthering their ESG knowledge.
AI Overview
"The ESG Handbook" is a comprehensive guide to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, covering a wide range of topics and perspectives. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Foundational Concepts: The book begins with foundational concepts of ESG, providing a clear understanding of what ESG entails and its significance in the contemporary business world.
- Energy Transition and Climate Issues: A chapter by Andrew Angle, Aiste Brackley, and Mark Lee from ERM discusses the global shift towards renewable energy, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by this transition.
- Human Rights Risks in Global Supply Chains: This chapter, contributed by Mariana Abreu, Ian Barclay, Stuart McLachlan of Anthesis Group, and Amandine Bressand of ISEAL, addresses managing sustainable supply chains. It covers ethical sourcing, labor rights, and the environmental repercussions of supply chain operations, emphasizing due diligence and the transformative power of technology in fostering transparency and accountability.
- Social Aspects of ESG: Sarah Fortt and Betty Huber from Latham & Watkins focus on the social aspects of ESG, dissecting how companies address pressing issues like human rights, employee relations, and community engagement.
- ESG Reporting: Fortt and Huber are joined by James Bee, Paul Davies, and Michael Green to provide a comprehensive look at ESG disclosure practices. They outline existing frameworks and standards, the role of third-party assessments, and the ongoing challenges companies face in delivering meaningful ESG information to stakeholders.
- Corporate Issues and Stakeholder Sentiment: Chapters on ESG corporate issues include shareholder activism, where Elina Tetelbaum and Carmen Lu from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz explore the growing influence of investors in shaping corporate environmental and social policies. Another chapter by Rachel Barrett, Dearbhla Cantwell, and Vanessa Havard-Williams from Linklaters examines how ESG considerations are becoming integral to the mergers and acquisitions process.
- Regional Insights and Emerging Matters: The book features cross-jurisdictional insights and analysis of diverse themes underpinning the current and future direction of ESG. Specific chapters are dedicated to emerging matters like ESG litigation, the evolving nature of technology in ESG, and the incorporation of ESG into enterprise risk management.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to build a comprehensive understanding of ESG, starting with foundational concepts and moving towards more complex applications and global perspectives. It covers a wide range of topics including energy transition, human rights in supply chains, social aspects of ESG, ESG reporting, corporate issues, and regional insights. Each chapter is contributed by leading legal professionals, industry experts, and consultants, providing multidisciplinary and global expertise.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the search results, the contributors and structure of the book suggest a high level of expertise and comprehensive coverage of ESG topics. The involvement of leading legal professionals and industry experts indicates that the book is well-regarded within the field of ESG and corporate governance.
Conclusion
"The ESG Handbook" is a seminal work that provides a detailed and comprehensive guide to ESG principles. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, from foundational concepts to advanced applications, offering insights from leading professionals in the field. The book's structure and contributions make it an essential resource for practitioners, industry experts, and consultants looking to deepen their understanding of ESG and its implications in the contemporary business world.