Voluntary CSR Reporting and Legal Frameworks: A Comparative Study of the EU and Iceland

This paper investigates the various types of voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) communication within the legal framework and their implications for justice in the Anthropocene. It examines how private companies use strategies like sustainability reports, public statements, and online disclosures to convey their environmental and social responsibilities. The analysis focuses on the legal implications of these communications, including regulatory compliance, transparency, stakeholder trust, litigation risks, policy influence, market access, human rights compliance, and support for environmental impact assessments. The paper specifically explores the legal framework of the European Union (EU) and its implementation in Iceland, comparing how voluntary CSR has been influenced by legislative initiatives in these regions. By evaluating the effectiveness and reach of these communication methods, the paper highlights their consequences for the legal systems in which they operate and their broader impact on achieving environmental and social justice. This study aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with voluntary CSR communication and its potential to foster justice in an era marked by significant environmental change.