Today’s ESG Updates:
- U.S.-China Trade War Escalates: China’s foreign ministry threatens “resolute countermeasures” against countries complying with U.S. tariffs.
- New Study Finds Significant Climate Impacts of LNG: U.S. liquefied natural gas exports may rival coal in greenhouse gas emissions.
- ESG-Focused Stock Indexes Outperform: Sustainable indexes show resilience amid market volatility.
- Trump Allies to Target Environmental Nonprofits: Former Trump officials plan Earth Day lawsuits against environmental groups.
China threatens countermeasures against countries complying with U.S. tariffs
China’s foreign ministry has threatened “resolute countermeasures” against countries that support or comply with U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. China sees Trump’s extreme tariffs as “economic coercion” and is urging countries around the world to consider the long-term implications of appeasing the Trump Administration. Beijing announced today that if countries align with the U.S. there will be consequences. While China has expressed that the U.S. needs to show greater respect to the country, Trump is claiming that the U.S. will “make a very good deal with China”. To stay up to date on the latest ESG news and legislations, companies can use the ESG index.
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Further reading: Beijing threatens countermeasures against countries that ‘appease’ Washington in trade war
Liquefied natural gas exports from the U.S. may rival coal in climate impact
A new report reveals that a single year of greenhouse gas emissions from tankers exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States more than cancels out the annual emissions reductions achieved through all the electric vehicles currently on U.S. roads. LNG exports may emit as much or more greenhouse gases as coal, depending on the destination and supply chain. The substantial carbon footprint is largely credited to methane leaks, liquefaction and transport. Researchers recommend stronger regulations and emissions monitoring, and urge governments to consider the leading role that LNG exports play in global emissions. The study, conducted by researchers at UC Berkeley, focused on shipments to Europe and Asia.
Photo Credit: Daniil Serhiyevich
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Further reading: The Hidden Climate Costs of Exporting US Liquefied Natural Gas
Sustainable indexes outperform amid market swings
Morningstar data shows ESG-focused stock indexes outperformed broad market indexes during recent market volatility. The Morningstar US Sustainability Index fell 1.6% in March 2025, compared to a 2.3% decline in the broader U.S. market index. ESG indexes also showed better performance in the first quarter of 2025 in global, US, and Europe markets. These results are likely attributed to lower exposure to fossil fuels and strong returns from tech and healthcare sectors, which make up a large share of ESG funds.
Photo Credit: Cedrik Wesche
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Further Reading: As Market Lurched, Sustainable Stock Indexes Outperformed
Conservative groups plan to take legal action against environmental nonprofits on Earth Day
Former Trump officials from conservative public interest organization America First Legal are preparing to file antitrust lawsuits against environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and NRDC, on Earth Day. The group claims that nonprofits have coordinated with corporations to enforce ESG standards that violate federal law. The legal move will target collaborations that influence board decisions, shareholder actions, and corporate policies. The effort is backed by conservative activists and legal experts aiming to push back against corporate sustainability practices. To navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability, see ESG solutions.
Photo Credit: Li-An Lim
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Further reading: Trump Officials Weigh Earth Day Move Against Green Groups
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra
