Today’s ESG Updates
- Trump Smooths Google’s Wiz Deal: Antitrust officials appointed by Trump assist Google in talks with Wiz executives.
- Tokyo Plans for Carbon Neutrality: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has signed an agreement with Gold Standard.
- EU Invests in South Africa: A new investment in South Africa aims to improve their trade, clean energy and infrastructure.
- Putin Agrees to Stop Energy Attacks: Russia will cease all attacks on energy and infrastructure in Ukraine for 30 days.
Trump supports Google in their Wiz acquisition
Following Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan 20, Google and Wiz executives have moved forward on the $32 billion deal. This also includes a more than $3.2 billion breakup fee – over 10% of the overall deal value. Though uncommonly high, Google justifies the premium due to Wiz’s 70% annual revenue growth. Wiz originally considered becoming a private company but appointment of antitrust officials at the White House have helped reinforce the deal due to more favorable antitrust reviews. For companies wishing to stay on track with ESG guidelines, see ESG Tools.
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Further reading: Google’s $32 billion deal for Wiz accelerated under Trump, sources say
Tokyo pushes for corporate decarbonisation with new agreement
Tokyo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gold Standard in an effort to boost corporate decarbonisation. Gold Standard Verified Emission Reductions (GSVERs) will be implemented so Tokyo-based companies can access credible carbon credits and align themselves with the Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy; carbon neutrality by 2050. These GSVERs will reduce barriers to carbon credits for businesses. Margaret Kim, Gold Standard CEO, highlighted Tokyo’s pivotal role in global decarbonisation, emphasizing the need for corporate investment in climate action. This partnership’s aim is to advance both local and global efforts in addressing the climate crisis.
Photo Credit: Louie Martinez
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Further reading: Tokyo Launches Carbon Credit Trading with Gold Standard to Advance Corporate Decarbonization
EU commits €4.7 billion to sustainability in South Africa
The EU has introduced a €4.7 billion investment in South Africa that will bolster clean energy, infrastructure, and health. European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the investment and outlined how it will support South Africa’s clean energy transition. This investment targets connectivity improvements such as railway, port upgrades, and 5G networks, alongside a €700 million boost to the local health sector. It’s also the start of a Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, making South Africa a key player in the EU’s global green transition – the shift to green practices worldwide.
Photo Credit: Antoine Schibler
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Further Reading: EU Unveils €4.7 Billion Investment in South Africa for Clean Energy, Trade, and Infrastructure
Putin agrees to temporary halt on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure attacks
Vladimir Putin has agreed to temporarily stop attacks on Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure following a phone call with Donald Trump. This truce will last 30 days and was implemented in an effort to find ground for a full ceasefire. Putin has outlined demands before such a deal could be considered including stoppage of Western aid to Ukraine, promise that Kyiv will stay out of NATO and the demilitarisation of Ukraine – all of which have raised concerns. European leaders have emphasized that any conversation regarding a peace deal must involve Ukraine. For companies wishing to stay on track with ESG guidelines, see ESG Tools.
Photo Credit: wikimedia commons
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Further reading: Vladimir Putin agrees to 30-day halt to attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Pawel Czerwinski
