Mirova and Thematics Asset Management (AM), both affiliates of Natixis Investment Managers, have announced a strategic merger. The merger aims to combine Mirova’s sustainable finance track record with Thematic AM’s high conviction thematic strategies. The combination of the two firms will offer a range of thematic investment products to meet the varied needs of investors while adhering to high sustainability…
Hoped-for irony: How America’s tariff war is boosting the global clean energy transition
In a speech marking his first 100 days, President Trump made his stance on clean energy crystal clear doubling down on coal. Since taking office, he’s reduced green energy funding, threatened to dismantle key parts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and proposed tariffs that could disrupt clean tech imports. However, there is a silver lining. The hoped-for irony here…
India-Based Climate Tech Startup Alt Carbon Raises $12 Million to Trap Carbon in Rocks and Soil
India-based climate tech startup Alt Carbon announced that it has raised $12 million in a seed financing round, with proceeds aimed at scaling its Enhanced Rock Weathering solution to remove and store carbon across the Global South. According to the company, the announcement marks the largest seed round to date for climate tech in India. Founded in 2023 by brothers…
EU Ombudsman Launches Inquiry into Commission’s Process to Reduce Sustainability Reporting, Due Diligence Requirements
EU Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho announced that she has opened an inquiry into the process behind the European Commission’s Omnibus proposal to simplify and reduce corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements, following complaints alleging that the Commission failed to meet procedural requirements in preparing the proposals. The Commission released its Omnibus I package in late February 2025, aimed at significantly…
Germany Walks Back Call to Scrap the EU’s Supply Chain Sustainability Law
Germany’s federal government softened its language on calls to eliminate the EU’s new law requiring companies to address their negative impacts on human rights and the environment across their value chains – the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) – with a government spokesperson clarifying that the government’s position is to “de-bureaucratize” and “streamline” the regulation. The clarification, provided in…
ESG Today: Week in Review
This week in ESG news: JPMorgan buys carbon removal for under $200/ton; Meta, Google sign large-scale renewable energy deals to power data centers; France joins call to scrap EU’s supply chain sustainability law; Lululemon hires former Nike CSO as new sustainability chief; PepsiCo pushes back climate and sustainable packaging goals; EU Parliament agrees to exempt most companies from CBAM import…
Natixis Merges Sustainable, Thematics Investment Units
Natixis Investment Managers’ sustainability- and thematics-focused affiliates, Mirova and Thematics Asset Management announced today the launch of a strategic merger project, aimed at creating a “unique offering” combining innovation and positive impact, and becoming “a major player in thematic management worldwide. “ Mirova was launched as a subsidiary of Natixis Investment Management in 2014, with a focus on sustainable and…
BlackRock Hits Back at Trump Administration’s Support for Case Accusing Asset Managers of Using Net Zero to Manipulate Energy Prices
Investment giant BlackRock issues a strong statement following the release of a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission in support of a Texas-led multistate lawsuit accusing asset managers BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street of using ESG investing to manipulate coal markets, calling the case “baseless,” and “based on an absurd theory.” The case, launched by…
Construction Cleantech Converge Raises $22 Million to Decarbonize Concrete with AI
London-based cleantech construction technology firm Converge announced that it has raised $22 million in a new investment round, with proceeds aimed at further developing and commercially scaling its AI-based platform for decarbonizing concrete. Building materials are a key source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cement production, an ingredient in concrete, accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with…
Meta Buys 650 MW of Renewable Energy to Power U.S. Data Centers
Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp owner Meta announced that it has signed two long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) to acquire 650 MW of solar energy in Texas and Kansas from energy provider AES to support the social media giant’s data centers. Virginia-based AES is among the largest power providers in the world. Meta will draw power via the PPAs from solar…