Starbucks rolls back ESG targets, cuts sustainability team

Starbucks, an early corporate climate leader, is scaling back or reviewing its 2030 targets to halve emissions, waste, and water use, and has laid off sustainability staff. This marks a notable reversal of its stated climate commitments, likely driven by cost pressures and shifting investor priorities. The move signals a broader corporate retreat from ESG pledges, which could affect investor sentiment and sector-wide sustainability benchmarks.