This comprehensive book is a practitioner's guide for understanding the myriad of issues related to ESG. It is organized into the following five sections to assist corporations and lawyers in navigating ESG: Part 1: ESG Is Here to Stay focuses on several big picture topics, including the following:
• Brief history of the legal underpinning of stakeholder capitalism • Case studies identifying categories of stakeholders impacted by ESG-related issues • ESG backlash • ESG in the United Kingdom and the European Union
Part II: Environmental: Understanding Risks and Opportunities Around Climate and Other Issues covers the "E" of ESG and discusses the following topics:
• Key principles related to climate risk and management • Climate-related disclosures obligations at the federal and international level • Key considerations when setting greenhouse gas emissions targets • Other emerging environmental considerations • Green marketing claims and communications
Part III: Social: Finding a Path for Complex Social Issues covers the "S" of ESG and discusses the following topics:
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and its legal and political challenges • Workforce well-being • ESG across borders and international guidelines • Highly-politicized social issues • Environmental justice
Part IV: Governance: Practical Advice for Getting Governance Right covers the "G" of ESG and discusses the following topics:
• The role of a company's board in managing ESG issues • The role of corporate management in effective corporate governance related to ESG • ESG management systems • Responding to shareholder initiatives
Part V: The Role of the Lawyer: Helping Companies Navigate Uncharted Waters discusses wide-ranging ESG legal issues, including:
• Due diligence • Internal investigations • Monitoring ESG legislative and regulatory developments • ESG investment funds • Public company disclosures
