Clifford Chance
Sharing our knowledge and expertise
Explore our insights on climate change, business & human rights, sustainable finance, inclusion & diversity, energy transition, and more.
ESG highlights
Funding the energy transition: Mobilizing private finance for net zero
As world leaders gather at COP28 in Dubai, there is widespread acknowledgment of the scale of action required to address climate change by accelerating the development of low-carbon energy sources, while also decarbonizing industry and transportation.
Find out more
Debt-for-Nature Swaps: A New Generation
Ahead of COP28, we set out our thoughts on the new generation of debt-for-nature swaps which have recently come to market and look forward to their full potential being unlocked at COP28 and beyond.
Find out more about Debt-for-Nature Swaps: A New Generation
The green industrial policy revolution - Developments in trade, energy transition, and geopolitics
Driven by the energy transition, national security concerns, and commitments to support domestic production, countries are increasingly taking measures to develop green economies and energy systems at home.
Find out more about The green industrial policy revolution - Developments in trade, energy transition, and geopolitics
Global Antitrust Challenges for Industry Climate Alliances and Cooperation on Environmental Sustainability
As businesses seek new ways to work together to improve environmental sustainability, navigating diverging approaches to competition law in different jurisdictions is becoming increasingly complex.
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Forced labour: New regulations are changing contractual obligations across the world
In this briefing, experts survey some of the recent developments and focus on the way in which development finance institutions have been playing a role. All of these developments are accompanied by the use of contractual mechanisms in support of addressing forced labour and related risks. Companies, investors and financial institutions across the world need to think about how these developments affect their operations and value chains.
Find out more about Forced labour: New regulations are changing contractual obligations across the world
Nature's Paris? Key outcomes and measures of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (COP15)
Agreement was reached by 190 countries on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) on 19 December 2022, after two weeks of negotiations at COP15 in Montreal. This briefing considers some of the key targets in the GBF.
Find out more about Nature's Paris? Key outcomes and measures of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (COP15)
Insights
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InternationalAutomotive
Betting on batteries: Powering the clean energy transition
With increasing global demand for batteries to power the clean energy transition, the opportunities and risks are multiplying. New technology, new markets and ...
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EUTradeLegislative, regulatory advice & complianceBusiness & human rights {Litigation, dispute resolution & risk management}Political intelligence & monitoringEuropean Union (EU)International
Forced labour: New regulations are changing contractual obligations across the world
An international framework aimed at the eradication of forced labour across the world has long been in place, set out in ILO Conventions and embraced within UN...
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BanksAsset financeProject financeSyndicated loansClimate changeNature conservationCorporate governance & directors' responsibilitiesInternational
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) recommendations published
The finalised Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework has been published and establishes a new standard for disclosure on nature and...
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BanksConsumer goodsRenewablesAutomotiveMediaTechnologyTelecommunicationsAviationLogisticsShippingAntitrust, EU & tradeAntitrust competition litigationInvestigationsMergers & joint venturesMonitoring & advice on EU developmentsTradeClimate changeAntitrust LitigationPolitical intelligence & monitoringUnited StatesJapanAustraliaEuropean Union (EU)FranceGermanyItalyNetherlandsUnited KingdomInternational
Global Antitrust Challenges for Industry Climate Alliances and Cooperation on Environmental Sustainability
As businesses seek new ways to work together to improve environmental sustainability, navigating diverging approaches to competition law in different juri...
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EUProject financePFI PPP & project bondsClimate changeEmissions tradingEnergy & the environmentNature conservationPolitical intelligence & monitoringInternationalEuropean Union (EU)
Going beyond carbon reductions: The proposed EU carbon removals certification regulation
On 30 November 2022, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation to create a first EU-wide voluntary framework that would certify high-qua...
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International
Energy Transition Trends 2023
Energy security and affordability have become a major issue for many countries. Rising inflation, increasingly frequent and significant climate events, and an ...
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InternationalUnited KingdomGlobal Financial Markets
Enabling the Voluntary Carbon Market in the Context of the Paris Agreement
Clifford Chance, in cooperation with the UK Voluntary Carbon Market Forum and the City of London Corporation, is pleased to announce the launch of its report 'Enabling the Voluntary Carbon Market in the Context of the Paris Agreement'.
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Oil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesClimate changeEnergy & the environmentEnvironmental litigation & dispute resolution & claim managementBusiness & human rights {Litigation, dispute resolution & risk management}United Kingdom
UK Net Zero Strategy ruled unlawful leaving uncertainty over UK climate policy
On 18 July 2022, the High Court declared that the UK's Net Zero Strategy is, in part, unlawful and ordered the Secretary of State to revise it by March 2023. I...
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Climate changeGermanyUnited KingdomNorth America
The Climate Lawyer: What Can In-House Counsel Do? (with Rich Kim & Adam Woodhall)
There's a new hope in the battle against climate change from somewhere you might not expect. In-house counsel are stepping up to become agents for change in their organization. In this fifth episode of the Clifford Chance podcast series 'The Climate Lawyer', host Richard Kim (counsel, Düsseldorf) is joined by Adam Woodhall, founder and CEO of Lawyers for Net Zero, a non-profit that helps guide in-house counsel on their climate journeys.
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Climate changeGermanyUnited KingdomNorth America
The Climate Lawyer: Climate Meets Venture Capital (with Rich Kim & Mona Alsubaei)
There's no path to net zero without innovation, and nobody knows innovation like venture capital. What does it mean to be a climate VC investor? Find out in the fourth episode of The Clifford Chance Podcast series, 'The Climate Lawyer', where host Richard Kim (counsel, Düsseldorf) is joined by Mona Alsubaei, a member of the investment team at Union Square Ventures (USV) and specialist in climate tech investing.
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United KingdomTradeWTO LawClimate changeEnvironmental auditing & due diligenceLegislative, regulatory advice & compliance
UK Deforestation Due Diligence Framework Implementation: Further Detail Published
The UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has published a second consultation on the proposed UK mandatory forest-risk commodities due diligence...
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United KingdomEquity capital markets & equity linked productsClimate changeEnergy & the environmentPrivate equity {Investment management}Corporate governance & directors' responsibilitiesEquity capital marketsFinancial institutions M&ASecurities regulation & compliancePrivate equityFunds & investment managementPrivate equity {Funds & investment management}
UK Government Imposes Mandatory Climate-Related Financial Disclosure on Large UK Businesses
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has announced that it will impose mandatory climate-related financial disclosure duties on l...
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TechnologyTrade
The role of tech in trade policy and climate change
A broad range of services – from digital and telecommunications services to engineering, cloud storage and artificial intelligence (AI) – will play an integral...
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International
Delivering a Trade and Climate Agenda
Clifford Chance has collaborated with the World Economic Forum on the publication, Delivering a Trade and Climate Agenda. The report finds that while businesses are actively pursuing emissions reductions, action on trade policy can help accelerate this shift. The report outlines eight ways in which trade policy can help businesses accelerate the transition to net-zero.
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InternationalItalyUnited KingdomClimate change
Climate change litigation in Italy: The dawn of a new era?
Italy had seemed to be one step behind other countries where climate change litigation is concerned, with no climate-related litigation having been commenced i...
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BanksMining & metalsOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesPrivate fundsPublic funds exchange traded fundsWealth management & private bankingPrivate equityInfrastructure investorsProject financePFI PPP & project bondsClimate changeEnergy & the environmentPrivate equityEgyptKenyaEcuadorEl SalvadorUnited StatesUnited KingdomInternationalInternational OrganisationsOmanSaudi ArabiaAbu DhabiDubai
Funding the energy transition: Mobilizing private finance for net zero
As world leaders gather at COP28 in Dubai, there is widespread acknowledgment of the scale of action required to address climate change by accelerating the dev...
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United StatesUnited Arab EmiratesInternationalEuropean Union (EU)United KingdomAfrica
Looking ahead to COP28: What can we expect?
COP28 – the 28th annual United Nations climate meeting – takes place in Dubai from 30 November, but what can realistically be achieved against a backdrop of in...
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Sovereign debtDebt capital marketsLiability managementClimate changeEnergy & the environmentNature conservationGabonSeychellesBarbadosEcuadorInternationalInternational Organisations
Debt-for-Nature Swaps: A New Generation
Ahead of COP28, we set out our thoughts on the new generation of debt-for-nature swaps which have recently come to market and look forward to their full potent...
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BanksProject financeSyndicated loansDebt capital marketsClimate changeEnergy & the environmentCompanyCorporate adviceCorporate governance & directors' responsibilitiesUnited Arab EmiratesAbu DhabiDubai
MENA Region: Three emerging ESG finance trends
The MENA region is experiencing rapid growth in green loans and sustainability-linked loans with issuers/borrowers ranging from sovereign wealth funds and GREs...
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Mining & metalsPower & energy networksEURegulated industriesTradeWTO LawClimate changeEmissions tradingInternational lawEuropean Union (EU)
10 questions on the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
The EU has adopted a Regulation establishing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to deal with the long-standing problem of ‘carbon leakage’ that impede...
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EUProject financePFI PPP & project bondsClimate changeEmissions tradingEnergy & the environmentNature conservationPolitical intelligence & monitoringInternationalEuropean Union (EU)
Going beyond carbon reductions: The proposed EU carbon removals certification regulation
On 30 November 2022, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation to create a first EU-wide voluntary framework that would certify high-qua...
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Mining & metalsOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesInfrastructure investorsTradeTrade bilateralsWTO LawEnergy & the environmentPolitical intelligence & monitoringUnited StatesEuropean Union (EU)InternationalInvestment treaties
Focus on hydrogen: The impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act's hydrogen incentives on trade
A key hydrogen trend to focus on for 2023 is "trade". The industry has gone from concentrating on the "colour" (i.e., grey, blue and green...
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InternationalInternational OrganisationsNature conservationEmissions tradingBanks
Nature's Paris? Key outcomes and measures of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (COP15)
Agreement was reached by 190 countries on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) on 19 December 2022, after two weeks of negotiations at COP1...
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United KingdomEuropean Union (EU)United States
COP27 – What can we expect?
COP27 – the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties – is intended to build on the work that took place at COP26 last year and move on from pledges to imple...
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United KingdomAmericas
Advancing the conversation on climate change – looking back at COP26
COP-26 was an opportunity for states, NGOs, the business community and the public to come together to discuss, debate and develop solutions to the climate crisis.
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Mining & metalsOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesEnvironmentClimate changeEnvironmental litigation & dispute resolution & claim managementUnited StatesUnited KingdomNetherlands
COP26: Did it deliver?
COP26, has been described as the 'last best hope" to avert climate disaster. In this extract from a recent Clifford Chance event, moderated by Partner an...
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BanksMining & metalsOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesPrivate fundsPublic funds exchange traded fundsWealth management & private bankingPrivate equityInfrastructure investorsProject financePFI PPP & project bondsClimate changeEnergy & the environmentPrivate equityEgyptKenyaEcuadorEl SalvadorUnited StatesUnited KingdomInternationalInternational OrganisationsOmanSaudi ArabiaAbu DhabiDubai
Funding the energy transition: Mobilizing private finance for net zero
As world leaders gather at COP28 in Dubai, there is widespread acknowledgment of the scale of action required to address climate change by accelerating the dev...
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Oil & gasRenewablesGasInvestment treatiesProject financeConstructionClimate changeContaminated landEnergy & the environmentEnvironmental litigation & dispute resolution & claim managementAngolaCameroonChadCongoEquatorial GuineaNigeriaMexicoUnited StatesBrunei DarussalamMalaysiaThailandVietnamAustraliaEuropean Union (EU)United KingdomInternationalUnited Arab Emirates
Energy Transition – How to mitigate the risk of disputes in decommissioning
The global rise in renewable energy projects has brought into focus the need to decommission ageing fossil fuel assets effectively and sustainably. Decommissio...
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BanksMining & metalsOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesHedge fundsPrivate equity {Funds & investment management}Private fundsPublic funds exchange traded fundsWealth management & private bankingChemicalsAerospace & defenceAutomotiveCapital goodsMaterialsGroup insuranceIntermediaries brokersPrivate equityInfrastructure investorsReal estateTechnologyTelecommunicationsAviationLogisticsShippingTransportation infrastructureAntitrustAbuse of dominant position monopolisationAntitrust competition litigationCartelsCompliance & online systemsDawn raidsEU Public policyFree movement issues (goods, services, capital & persons)InvestigationsLitigation in the EU courtsMergers & joint venturesMonitoring & advice on EU developmentsPublic procurementState aid controlEURegulated industriesAviationElectricityGasPortsRailShippingTelecommunicationsWaterTradeInvestment treatiesSanctionsTrade bilateralsWTO LawAsset financeCorporate & Investment Grade lendingDebt & Claims tradingDerivativesFinancial services & marketsCurrency regulationFintechLeveraged & acquisition financeProject financeSecurity & guaranteesSovereign debtStructured financeSyndicated loansTrade, Commodities & Export financeCorporate finance trustsDebt capital marketsEquity capital markets & equity linked productsHigh yieldLiability managementPFI PPP & project bondsStructured debt & securitisationConstructionClimate changeContaminated landCorporate transactionsEmissions tradingEnergy & the environmentEnvironmental auditing & due diligenceEnvironmental liability review, structuring & insuranceEnvironmental litigation & dispute resolution & claim managementEnvironmental operational permitting & reportingFinancial transactions lenders liabilityIndustrial park structuresLegislative, regulatory advice & complianceNature conservationPlanning & zoning land useProduct safety & liabilityReal estate transactionsWaste managementInsurance linked securities & alternative risk transferInsurance litigation & dispute resolutionInsurance policy product developmentInsurance regulatoryM&A & other corporate transactionsRegulatory capital raisingReinsuranceAdministrative & public lawAntitrust LitigationArbitrationBanking & finance litigationCommercial & corporate litigationConstruction energy arbitrationEmployment litigationForensic accountingInsurance litigationInternational lawInvestment fund litigationMedia disputesMediationCompanyContractsCorporate adviceCorporate governance & directors' responsibilitiesEquity capital marketsFinancial institutions M&AInsurance regulatory {M&A corporate}International tradeJoint ventures & strategic alliancesM&APrivate acquisitions & disposalsPrivate equityPrivatisationsPublic takeovers & mergersReturns of valueSecurities regulation & complianceEU infringement proceedingsAsset tracingBanking & securities regulationCorporate complianceFund managementRegulatory investigations & enforcementBanking & financeCapital markets and structured debtCorporate, M&A & joint venturesPrivate equity & fundsRestructuring {Tax}European Union (EU)International
Focus on hydrogen: European Hydrogen Bank: First pilot auction
On 29 August 2023, the European Commission (the Commission) published the terms and conditions of the EU Hydrogen Bank's (EHB) first pilot auction with an Inno...
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Oil & gasProject financeClimate changeEnergy & the environmentEnvironmental litigation & dispute resolution & claim managementConstruction energy arbitrationJoint ventures & strategic alliancesM&AUnited StatesAustraliaEuropean Union (EU)United KingdomInternational
Energy in transition – The role of decommissioning
Decommissioning is an integral part of the energy transition. The move by oil & gas companies to decarbonise their operations often leads to a transfer of ...
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Europe
Belgian offshore wind - Upcoming tendering of the Princess Elisabeth zone
The tender principles for the Princess Elisabeth Zone are gradually taking shape following a recent stakeholder dialogue. This briefing provides an overview o...
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RomaniaOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesElectricityGasProject financePFI PPP & project bondsClimate changeEnergy & the environmentPolitical intelligence & monitoringEuropean Union (EU)
Focus on hydrogen: Romania's hydrogen strategy – A key component of the energy transition roadmap
The Ministry of Energy of Romania has published the first draft of its long-awaited Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan for 2023-2030. This is a positive step fo...
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InternationalBusiness & human rights {Litigation, dispute resolution & risk management}Automotive
Betting on Batteries: Powering the clean energy transition
With increasing global demand for batteries to power the clean energy transition, the opportunities and risks are multiplying. New technology, new markets and new deals, including those associated with mineral extraction, human rights and the supply chain, regulatory changes and the race to find funding are giving rise to a number of issues for businesses to grapple with.
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Mining & metalsOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesEnergy & the environmentInternational
Energy Transition: Balancing the interests of investors and States on the path to clean energy
197 Governments (and the European Union) have ratified or acceded to the Paris Agreement, pledging to pursue efforts to limit the global temperature rise to 1....
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BanksOil & gasRenewablesGroup insuranceNon-life insuranceShippingTransportation infrastructureConstructionIslamic banking & financeArbitrationCommercial & corporate litigationConstruction energy arbitrationInsurance litigationContractsSelect committeesReal estate developmentReal estate securitisationREITSChinaHong KongJapanKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofPhilippinesSingaporeAustraliaNew ZealandOceaniaItalyEngland & Wales
Offshore Decommissioning Contracts – Operation of the Knock for Knock Regime
Decommissioning is an integral part of the international energy transition, and of the global push to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions and a carbon ne...
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European Union (EU)
Focus on hydrogen: the European Hydrogen Bank
One of the first measures announced by the European Commission President von der Leyen, in her September 2022 State of the Union speech, was the creation of a ...
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European Union (EU)
The European Net Zero Industry Act
The European Commission (the Commission) has issued proposals aiming to broadly equalise Europe's net zero industry with the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) a...
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MoroccoRenewablesEnergy & the environmentPower & energy networksProject financePFI PPP & project bondsConstruction
Renewable energy sector reform in Morocco - how will it impact the market?
The Moroccan Government has undertaken a wide-ranging reform of the legal framework governing the renewable energy sector, including a new regime for self-gene...
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AfricaEuropean Union (EU)
Focus on hydrogen: Achieving Africa's clean hydrogen potential with European initiatives
A number of countries in Africa have been identified as future sources of supply of clean hydrogen due to an abundance of land suitable for the production of w...
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Europe
Focus on Hydrogen: Regulatory developments in the Netherlands
Three years after the Cabinet presented its Cabinet Vision on Hydrogen (Kabinetsvisie waterstof), the Dutch Government has taken significant steps in developin...
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InternationalEnergy & resourcesArbitrationLitigation, dispute resolution & risk management
Energy Arbitration Trends 2023
What are the key trends for global disputes and international arbitration for the energy sector in 2023 and beyond? In our inaugural Energy Arbitration Trends ...
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Oil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesElectricityGasProject financePFI PPP & project bondsConstructionClimate changeEnergy & the environmentPolitical intelligence & monitoringAustralia
Focus on hydrogen: Australia's Go Scheme and hydrogen certification
Certification schemes for clean hydrogen are being proposed in many countries to help markets develop, by providing certainty as to where the hydrogen has been...
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EUProject financePFI PPP & project bondsClimate changeEmissions tradingEnergy & the environmentNature conservationPolitical intelligence & monitoringInternationalEuropean Union (EU)
Going beyond carbon reductions: The proposed EU carbon removals certification regulation
On 30 November 2022, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation to create a first EU-wide voluntary framework that would certify high-qua...
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International
Energy Transition Trends 2023
Energy security and affordability have become a major issue for many countries. Rising inflation, increasingly frequent and significant climate events, and an ...
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BelgiumOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesRegulated industriesProject financeEnergy & the environmentEuropean Union (EU)
Focus on hydrogen: Belgium is leading the way in regulating the hydrogen midstream
Belgium has published its long-awaited H2 midstream regulation. A draft proposal has been endorsed by the federal parliament's energy commission and will ...
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Mining & metalsOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesInfrastructure investorsTradeTrade bilateralsWTO LawEnergy & the environmentPolitical intelligence & monitoringUnited StatesEuropean Union (EU)InternationalInvestment treaties
Focus on hydrogen: The impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act's hydrogen incentives on trade
A key hydrogen trend to focus on for 2023 is "trade". The industry has gone from concentrating on the "colour" (i.e., grey, blue and green...
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SpainEnvironmentPublic policy
Focus on hydrogen: current regulatory framework for green hydrogen in Spain
Although green hydrogen production and use is still at an early stage of development and a European package is being put into place for hydrogen regulation (sp...
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European Union (EU)
Focus on Hydrogen: The regulation of hydrogen transportation in Europe, Belgium and Germany
The development of a clean hydrogen ecosystem in Europe is critical to ensure that the projected increases in hydrogen supply and demand are realised which are...
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Power & energy networksRenewablesProject financeClimate changePolitical intelligence & monitoringOil & gasMining & metalsElectricityGasEnergy & the environmentEuropean Union (EU)Japan
Focus on Hydrogen: Japan's energy strategy for hydrogen and ammonia
The Japanese government has set ambitious goals for a carbon-neutral future to enhance its energy security. It plans to establish a full-scale international hy...
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United StatesPower & energy networksRenewablesOil & gas
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
We are pleased to present this briefing regarding the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the "IRA"), which Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) described as &q...
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Emissions tradingEnergy & the environmentCommercial & corporate litigationPolitical intelligence & monitoringAustraliaInternational
Greenwashing – Australian carbon credit units in the regulatory spotlight
As part of the Federal Government's crackdown on greenwashing, an independent review of the Australian Carbon Credit Units regime will be carried out by former...
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Power & energy networksRenewablesElectricityProject financeConstructionClimate changeEnergy & the environmentEuropean Union (EU)United Kingdom
Multi-Purpose Interconnectors: Enabling the transmission of clean energy in the UK
As the UK strives towards its ambitious target of 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, large-scale investment will be required in the offshore wind industry...
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Oil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesProject financePFI PPP & project bondsConstructionClimate changeEnergy & the environmentInternational
Energy transition: Energy security, affordability and the impact on climate change
The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy to address the climate crisis was never going to be easy and involves expensive trade-offs between economics a...
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Power & energy networksRenewablesProject financeConstructionClimate changeEnergy & the environmentEuropean Union (EU)France
Favourable winds for French offshore wind farms
While Northern Europe and the UK started investing in offshore wind more than 20 years ago, France was slow off the mark. Now, that is about to change, as the ...
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Energy & resourcesUnited Kingdom
Recent government announcements for the energy sector
In a race to ensure it is on track to meet its net zero targets by 2050, the Government has announced the publication of its new British Energy Security Strate...
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Oil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesElectricityGasProject financeClimate changeEmissions tradingEnergy & the environmentInternational
Energy Transition Trends 2022
There remains a narrow window of opportunity for timely action to address the climate crisis and still meet the Paris Agreement targets. The necessary transiti...
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Oil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesAntitrustEU Public policyMonitoring & advice on EU developmentsEUElectricityGasProject financeConstructionClimate changeEnergy & the environmentEuropean Union (EU)International
REPowerEU: European Commission’s proposed plan for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy
In March 2022, in response to the unprecedented energy price crisis, the European Commission presented REPowerEU, a new set of proposed measures to create...
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Oil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesReal estateAsset financeProject financeDebt capital marketsEquity capital markets & equity linked productsClimate changeEmissions tradingEnergy & the environmentIslamic banking & financeAntitrust LitigationBusiness & human rights {Litigation, dispute resolution & risk management}M&APublic takeovers & mergersPublic inquiriesReal estate developmentReal estate private equity & investmentREITS
UK Net Zero Strategy - A clearer view of the challenges to 2050
Ahead of its Presidency of COP26, the UK Government has published its Net Zero Strategy to 2050. The Strategy covers all business sectors and some cross-cuttin...
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European Union (EU)WTO LawAnti-dumping & customsClimate changeEmissions tradingPower & energy networksMining & metalsMaterials
10 Questions on the Proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
The European Commission has published a proposal for a Regulation on a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to deal with the long-standing problem of 'car...
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Industrials
Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy: The path to net zero
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published its strategy setting out the path to decarbonising industry, aiding the goal...
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Sovereign debtDebt capital marketsLiability managementClimate changeEnergy & the environmentNature conservationGabonSeychellesBarbadosEcuadorInternationalInternational Organisations
Debt-for-Nature Swaps: A New Generation
Ahead of COP28, we set out our thoughts on the new generation of debt-for-nature swaps which have recently come to market and look forward to their full potent...
-
BanksProject financeSyndicated loansDebt capital marketsClimate changeEnergy & the environmentCompanyCorporate adviceCorporate governance & directors' responsibilitiesUnited Arab EmiratesAbu DhabiDubai
MENA Region: Three emerging ESG finance trends
The MENA region is experiencing rapid growth in green loans and sustainability-linked loans with issuers/borrowers ranging from sovereign wealth funds and GREs...
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Climate changeEnvironmental auditing & due diligenceEnvironmental operational permitting & reportingLegislative, regulatory advice & complianceNature conservationNigeriaJapanSingaporeEuropean Union (EU)United KingdomInternationalInternational Organisations
Exploring the new ISSB sustainability disclosure standards
The ISSB has published two new sustainability disclosure standards establishing a global baseline that is comprehensive and compatible with existing frameworks...
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International
The green industrial policy revolution – developments in trade, energy transition, and geopolitics
Driven by the energy transition, national security concerns, and commitments to support domestic production, countries are increasingly taking measures to develop green economies and energy systems at home.
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International
ESG Trends 2023
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations have an increasing impact on all businesses, globally. Here we take a look at the some of the issues...
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United StatesEuropean Union (EU)United KingdomBanksHedge fundsPrivate fundsPublic funds exchange traded fundsFinancial services & markets
ESG: What to expect from financial regulators in 2023 – Disclosures, Data and 'Greenwashing' in the spotlight
ESG disclosures, data product and ratings providers and 'greenwashing' will be in the regulatory spotlight in 2023, as financial regulators seek to implement m...
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Consumer goodsEmployment - advisory, litigation & transactionalCorporate complianceUnited States
Disagreement on U.S. DEI legislation and initiatives creates uncertainty for companies
Companies are faced with increasing challenges from internal and external forces, meaning that policies and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclu...
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BelgiumOil & gasPower & energy networksRenewablesRegulated industriesProject financeEnergy & the environmentEuropean Union (EU)
Focus on hydrogen: Belgium is leading the way in regulating the hydrogen midstream
Belgium has published its long-awaited H2 midstream regulation. A draft proposal has been endorsed by the federal parliament's energy commission and will ...
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InternationalInternational OrganisationsNature conservationEmissions tradingBanks
Nature's Paris? Key outcomes and measures of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (COP15)
Agreement was reached by 190 countries on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) on 19 December 2022, after two weeks of negotiations at COP1...
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AmericasLitigation, dispute resolution & risk management
FINRA's First Caution on ESG
On January 10, 2023, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") issued its 2023 Report on FINRA’s Examination and Risk Monitoring Program ...
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Consumer goodsRetailChemicalsMedical devices healthcare equipmentPharmaceuticalsPrivate equityClimate changeLegislative, regulatory advice & complianceIntellectual property adviceIslamic derivativesAdministrative & public lawIPOsPrivate equityLegislative process & legislative draftingPolitical advocacy strategyPublic consultationsHospitalityReal estate fundsReal estate litigationReal estate taxAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCzech RepublicCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceEstoniaEuropean Union (EU)HungaryIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaPolandRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsPortugalSpainSweden
European Commission proposes ambitious update to packaging rules
The European Commission has proposed a long-awaited legislative update aimed at reducing packaging waste across the EU as part of efforts to create a...
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United Kingdom
ESG – The role of the in-house lawyer
Company boards are increasingly seeing ESG as a legal issue and the role of the in-house legal team is changing as it deals with a growing workload to manage r...
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AmericasLitigation, dispute resolution & risk management
Sustainable is the New Black- ESG in Fashion
The fashion industry is intrinsically evolving as the most coveted patterns and textures ebb with the tide of public opinion. While these shifts occur, the phy...
ESG European Perspectives Series
Gender Balance on Corporate Boards: Targets for Equal Representation across Europe (March 2023)
Clifford Chance and PWN Global (Professional Women's Network Global) hosted 'Gender Balance on Corporate Boards: Targets for Equal Representation across Europe'. A member of the European Commission Cabinet for Equality and a panel of experts discussed the draft legislation, examined how companies and governments will look at implementation, and considered the impact on companies and their culture and strategies, as well as the wider social impact.
Watch the webinarReports
Enabling the Voluntary Carbon Market in the Context of the Paris Agreement
This paper considers the state of the Paris mechanisms and the VCM, examines actual and perceived barriers to its scaling and identifies recommendations for the way forward.
Read the report
The Promise of a Positive Legacy
This report draws attention to the human rights strategies developed by all 22 cities across the United Bid, recognizing the important work done by a wide range of contributors and the key commitments and undertakings of the cities. The city submissions, which are publicly available, are voluminous, and this report aims to present the information in ways that will increase the accessibility of the material to a wide variety of stakeholders.
Learn more
