In this week’s ESG in 5, we highlight five major corporate sustainability actions from around the world. Meta expands its clean energy portfolio with a 100 MW solar project in South Carolina, while GreenCo launches a free AI-powered app to simplify ESG reporting. Google takes a bold step into advanced nuclear energy to power its data centres, and climate-tech firms Deep Sky and Skyrenu achieve a first for North America with permanent CO₂ storage via direct air capture. Finall

Global equities steadied last week as investors balanced Powell’s cautious Jackson Hole remarks with stronger US manufacturing data and stubborn UK inflation. We review the latest market moves, policy signals, commodity trends, ESG updates, and geopolitical shifts shaping sentiment heading into September.

This week’s ESG highlights showcase progress across renewable energy, recycling, and sustainable innovation. From IKEA investing in circular plastics in China to AWS backing new wind power in India, Trane advancing AI for greener buildings, and Seaspan partnering on cleaner marine fuels, companies worldwide are taking bold steps to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Global equities hit record highs last week, though momentum faded by Friday. Investors now turn to the Fed’s Jackson Hole meeting for clarity on interest rates, while economic resilience in the UK and geopolitical shifts add to the week’s outlook.

This week’s ESG roundup covers regulatory action, sustainable innovation, and major investment in clean energy. From Shein’s greenwashing fine in Italy to Meta’s push to reduce embodied carbon in data centres, and HSBC’s high-profile exit from a major climate alliance, we bring you the key developments shaping the ESG landscape in under five minutes.

Last week saw markets react to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, stubborn inflation dynamics, and central bank hesitation. From renewed tariff tensions to steady interest rate decisions, global investors navigated a cautious landscape. In this week’s review, we explore key market movements, policy updates, and the latest in ESG and geopolitical developments to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve.

Clean energy, ethical fashion, and EV expansion take centre stage as Google backs next-gen storage, Meta powers data centres with solar, and bp opens its largest US charging hub. Meanwhile, top Indian designers pledge to go feather-free in a major win for compassionate couture.

Markets gained on fresh trade optimism, while central banks signalled a cautious stance on further rate cuts. ESG headlines saw major investment in green hydrogen, and geopolitical tensions with China remain in focus. All eyes now turn to earnings season and the ECB’s next move.

This week’s ESG headlines highlight major strides in clean energy and decarbonisation. INEOS makes a bold move toward hydrogen-powered chemical production in the UK, while Palo Alto Networks doubles down on carbon removal tech. In the US, Sol Systems secures a massive funding deal to scale solar and storage projects, and the UK government unveils a £63 million push to boost EV infrastructure.

Markets showed mixed signals last week, as investor optimism clashed with rising inflation and geopolitical unease. Tech-heavy US indices saw gains on central bank reassurance, while UK inflation and European trade tensions tempered global confidence. With earnings season heating up and key central bank meetings on the horizon, this week is set to test the resilience of markets - and policy makers alike.