In December 2019 the European Union's 27 member states unveiled the European Green Deal—a big moment for the future of sustainable business. The goal of the pact is bold: achieve net zero carbon emissions across the bloc by 2050 by promoting cleaner air and water, promoting better health, and transforming the European economy into a circular, sustainable model.

Just as bold, though, are the fresh laws and regulations that achieving this vision require. The new taxes, levies, incentives, and compliance mechanisms will impact everything from enterprise carbon footprints, and their use of land, water, and plastics, to the nuances of their global supply chains.