?? 12 news from 2023 against eco-anxiety

?? DECEMBER

COP28’s historic approach to fossil fuels : Although the COP28 outcome on the "transition away from fossil fuels" is non-binding, it is the first time the summit has acknowledged that fossil fuels are the leading cause of climate change, and it sends a strong signal.

?? NOVEMBER

Portugal’s renewable energy records : From 31 October to 6 November, Portugal produced more energy from renewable sources than the customers needed for the longest consecutive period.?

?? OCTOBER

ESRS: the new reporting standards : On 18 October, the European Parliament rejected a motion to weaken the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This clears the way for implementing the ESRS and more transparency in companies' operations.

?? SEPTEMBER

The EU says no to half a million tonnes of microplastics: On 25 September, the European Commission adopted a ban on the sale of products with intentionally added microplastics and on microplastics themselves to meet its target of a 30% reduction in microplastic pollution by 2030.

?? AUGUST

A court victory for the future generations in Montana, USA : A group of young plaintiffs claimed that Montana was violating their constitutional rights to a "clean and healthful environment" by allowing fossil fuel projects without considering their impact on the climate and people.

?? JULY

Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest fell by 34% : Deforestation fell by a third in the first half of 2023 and even by 68% in April 2023: great news for biodiversity and local communities.

?? JUNE

UN Treaty to protect marine life : On 19 June, the members of the United Nations adopted a convention to protect and promote the sustainable use of marine biological diversity in the high seas. It extends the protection of marine life beyond national jurisdiction.

?? MAY

EU directive against greenwashing : A majority in the EU Parliament voted this May in favor of a directive to prevent companies from using misleading and generic terms associated with greenwashing to describe their products without solid evidence.

?? APRIL

Germans eat less meat : The trend towards lower meat consumption continued in 2022. The April 2023 report shows that Germans ate an average of 52 kg of meat per person per year, 4 kg less than in 2021.

?? MARCH

Free public transportation in Luxemburg : It's been three years since Luxembourg introduced free public transport. This is a big step not only for its 640,000 inhabitants but also for the environment.

?? FEBRUARY

A victory for the Australian Coral Reef : It was the first time the Australian government used environmental law to ban a new coal mine, which was planned 10 km from the Great Barrier Reef.?

?? JANUARY

Germany adopts the Supply Chain Act: On 1 January, the Supply Chain Act came into force in Germany. One of its requirements is that companies respect human rights throughout their global supply chain.

That's it for 2023! Thank you so much for all your support, for the fantastic IMPACT FESTIVAL this year, and also for being such a great community all year round. We can't wait to continue working on sustainable transformation with you in 2024! Take care, and see you next year,

Your IMPACT FESTIVAL Team

Mara Steinbrenner , Linda K?pper , Valeria Euler , Josa Gr?ber , Rick Neu , Sarah Schütz , Ma?lyss Ménage , Wolfgang Weicht