But counting ‘polluter must pay’ actions alongside litigants seeking to derail positive ESG action muddies the overall picture.

In a move to boost sustainability assurance and cut greenwash, auditors are given ‘a clear framework of expected behaviour’.

This year saw economic crisis, an audit reform bill, and growing calls for corporate transparency—all against a backdrop of war in Ukraine.

It may sometimes take courage, but asking questions is the most effective thing a board director can do to address climate-related risk.

Surveillance of home workers; Davos in Saudi Arabia; German ‘impact investors’; VW challenged on climate; HSBC’s ‘misleading’ adverts.

Directors who pay lip service to climate-related risks may be exposed to breach of duty claims for failing to protect firms’ interests.

‘Companies that believe their own greenwash are embedding liability and storing up risk’, warns chair of UK Environment Agency.