Matthew Townsend

Mar 11, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Jonathan Benson |Matthew Townsend

From tariffs on high carbon goods to technical regulations that set emissions targets, well-designed trade policy is critical to deliver Net Zero. But there is growing debate over whether such measures are compatible with international law. Trade policy is increasingly recognised as a key route to achieving global sustainability goals. Commitments to reach Net Zero require vast amounts of international investment to build green infrastructure and adapt existing systems.

Mar 8, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Ken Rivlin |Matthew Townsend |Danae Wheeler

Sustainability reporting and disclosure can bring many benefits, including greater transparency and increased accountability. But unless coupled with, and closely tied to, the implementation of a clear business strategy for sustainability, reporting and disclosure are unlikely to drive improved ESG performance or financial results.

Mar 7, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Ying-Peng Chin |Matthew Townsend

How to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy is a hot regulatory topic for most major economies around the world – and is set to continue ascending the agenda in the years to come. As sustainability-related regulations proliferate, the legal risks and obligations on global businesses grow. We reflect on the implications of divergent regulatory regimes, and consider whether a regulation-heavy approach is likely to deliver its intended results.

Jan 31, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Jonathan Benson |Matthew Townsend

In light of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the UK and EU, in close collaboration with their G7 partners, have continued to exert economic pressure on Russia through an array of sanctions. In this bulletin, we provide a high-level overview of the UK and EU’s latest sanctions packages from December 2023 which, amongst other measures, impose additional import and export restrictions on Russia, including restrictions on diamonds of Russian origin.

Dec 20, 2023 | jdsupra.com | Lydia Challen |Brin Rajathurai |Matthew Townsend

The UK has finally confirmed that it will be following the EU and introducing its own Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to be implemented by 2027. It published the eagerly awaited outcome of its consultation on this on 18 December. It is also consulting on further changes to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). In this article we consider the current position in the UK and future direction for policy in this area.