Sustainability Progress Report #15

How is the EU managing its climate stripes?

Legend:?

??? climate change??

?? litigation?

???? regulatory/policy changes??

?? financing???

?? waste/pollution

?? forests?

?? energy??

?? decarbonization??

?? emissions

?? transportation?

?? biodiversity/animals

?? textile industry

???? labour or human rights?

Regulatory talks.

Denmark is introducing its first agricultural carbon tax, to charge farmers 300 Danish krone/tCO2e produced from 2030, increasing to 750 Danish krone by 2035. A 60% tax break will be applied to average emissions from different livestock types, providing an economic advantage to climate-efficient farmers. (to the source) ??????

The GHG Protocol and the ISSB signed a memorandum of understanding to guide future collaboration and strengthen relations in developing new standards and guidance. (to the source) ??????

The German Federal Cabinet approved a draft law amending the Carbon Dioxide Storage Act to promote decarbonization and establish a legal framework for onshore and offshore carbon dioxide storage, including underground storage in Germany's exclusive economic zone. (to the source) ??????

The International Business Standards Institute (BSI) is developing an internationally verifiable net-zero standard, set to be launched at COP30 in November 2025, to aid organizations in developing net-zero strategies. (to the source) ??????

The Global Reporting Initiative and IFRS Foundation are collaborating to establish interoperable sustainability disclosure standards, aiming to streamline reporting processes, enhance transparency, and promote sustainable business practices through a methodology pilot.? (to the source) ???????

TNFD and EFRAG published a correspondence mapping between ESRS and TNFD's recommended disclosures, aiming to ensure consistent, high-quality sustainability reporting for stakeholders and sustainable development. (to the source) ???????

Swiss government initiates consultation on aligning sustainability-related corporate governance rules with international systems, including the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, introducing stricter reporting requirements for environmental, human rights, and corruption risks. (to the source) ????????

Industry talks.

A study revealed that fashion brands and suppliers are using ineffective representation structures to undermine workers' rights in South Asia, instead of engaging with independent trade unions. (to the source) ??????

Former Better Cotton employee reveals global cotton sustainability program manipulation due to conflicts of interest and lack of accountability. A report exposed links between H&M, Zara, SLC Agrícola, and Horita Group, involving illegal deforestation and land grabbing. Certification schemes should not replace robust due diligence and legislation, such as EU's CSDDD and EUDR, to prevent deforestation and rights abuses in supply chains. (to the source) ??????

The Court of Appeal has ruled that the National Crime Agency's failure to investigate Uyghur forced labour in cotton imports was unlawful, affecting workers at risk of modern slavery. UK government is urged to join the US and EU in banning forced labour products. (to the source) ??????

BP has changed its corporate strategy, slowing its investment in low-carbon projects, primarily offshore wind. BP is still ahead of most rivals in terms of its transition strategy, with Chevron and ExxonMobil in the US still determined about their commitment to fossil fuels. (to the source) ????

Air freight operators have increased their greenhouse gas emissions by 25% compared to 2019, with the US accounting for 40% of global emissions. This poses a climate and health threat, prompting companies to transition to lower-carbon transport modes. (to the source) ????

A report reveals broken links between automakers and battery manufacturers in the electric vehicle industry. Automakers with deforestation commitments source batteries from manufacturers without commitments about biodiversity or deforestation. (to the source) ????

Lufthansa Group introduced an Environmental Cost Surcharge on flights departing from 27 EU countries, the UK, Norway, and Switzerland, covering the increased cost of meeting environmental regulations. The surcharge amounts between €1 and €72, with Lufthansa aiming for a neutral CO2 balance by 2050. (to the source) ????

The European Commission launched the Climate City Capital Hub to support 112 EU and associated cities aiming for climate neutrality. The initiative will use public and private capital, with the European Investment Bank earmarked for €2 billion. The goal is to invest €650 billion in energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure. (to the source) ????

In 2023, renewable energy accounted for 44.7% of all electricity production, generating 1.21 million Gigawatt-hours, a 12.4% increase from 2022. Fossil fuels contributed 32.5% of the EU's power, while natural gas supply fell 7.4%, the lowest since 1995. (to the source) ????

Statkraft, Europe's largest renewable power producer, is reducing plans for new wind and solar plants due to lower electricity prices and rising costs, a move that may slow the global energy transition. (to the source) ????

The Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe ruled that companies cannot advertise products as climate-friendly without explaining why, following a misleading fruit gum advertisement. The ruling emphasizes the need for manufacturers to comply with stricter European Union rules. (to the source) ????

The 2024 Sustainability Leaders survey highlights the need for climate action and global legislation, innovation, and progress. Patagonia is the most recognized corporate leader, while the World Wildlife Fund and European governments lead sustainable development.? (to the source) ????

Global talks.

A study shows that underground networks of roots and fungi are crucial for carbon sequestration in soil. Reducing nitrogen pollution can help restore these critical networks, improving carbon capture and mitigating climate change impacts.? (to the source) ????

A recent study indicates that Canada's 2023 wildfires released 3.28 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the air, four times more than aviation. (to the source) ????

A study involving 309 Chinese cities found that 78% were "outsourced beneficiaries" of other cities' carbon mitigation efforts, emphasizing the need for nuanced government policies to ensure fair distribution. (to the source) ????

Northwestern University engineers have developed a CO2 sequestration method for concrete, achieving a 45% efficiency in laboratory experiments, aiming to offset 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions from cement and concrete industries. (to the source) ????

British company Nuada is testing its carbon emission capture technology at a Buzzi Unicem cement plant in Italy. The energy-efficient system uses metal-organic frameworks and vacuum pressure swing adsorption to separate CO2 from exhaust gasses, potentially reducing energy use, cost, and complexity in traditional methods. (to the source) ????

Global CO? emissions increased by 2.1% in 2023, reaching 40 billion metric tons. The Asia Pacific region, particularly China, is the primary contributor to the global growth in emissions (4.9% increase). (to the source) ????

China asks the EU to remove tariffs on electric vehicle imports by July 4, after a negotiation compromise. The EU will make a final decision on tariffs by November 2. China has retaliatory measures in place. (to the source) ????

China's government has approved a 306-megawatt wind farm off Shanghai, aiming to supply electricity 27% below coal power prices this year. This is the latest in a series of renewable energy projects aimed at boosting offshore wind generation capacity to 129 gigawatts. (to the source) ????

Malawi faces food insecurity due to El Nino's extreme weather and drought, causing a state of disaster in 23 districts. Food aid agencies predict a spike in malnutrition, especially among children.? (to the source) ??????

Consumers, investors, and citizens struggle with sustainable consumption due to misestimations of emission impacts. Information should be made accessible to highlight the causal impact of consumption decisions to facilitate climate action. (to the source) ??????

Researchers discovered a fungus resistant to medicine used to treat fungal infections. This raises concerns about the increasing use of immuno-suppressive medications and the ongoing HIV epidemic, which could increase the risk of fungal infections in the general population. Unexpected findings indicate potential catastrophic health consequences for humans and other mammals if the planet continues to warm. (to the source) ??????

Approximately 230 threatened howler monkeys died in the heatwave.? (to the source) ??????

Olam Agri, a global agricultural commodity trader, warned of "food wars" due to geopolitical tensions and protectionism. The company's CEO pointed to trade barriers imposed by governments to boost domestic food stocks as a factor in food inflation. (to the source) ??????

The Far Right's success in European countries is driven by discontent with the establishment, migration resentment, and opposition to decarbonization, with modest measures in France and Germany causing resistance. (to the source) ??????

Trump plans to boost oil and gas production, is skeptical of climate change, and resists renewable energy incentives in Project 2025, a blueprint for a second Trump administration. The project includes authorizing increased oil and gas leasing, directing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to advocate for oil and gas, eliminating clean-energy programs, shrinking the Environmental Protection Agency, and scrapping the National Climate Assessment. (to the source) ??????

German climate activists taking the government to court over climate policy, arguing that the new law is weak and difficult to enforce. Germany is on track to fall short of its 2030 target to reduce emissions by 65%. The activists argue that the government has wasted the carbon budget and will be hit hardest by future measures. (to the source) ?????

Carbon budgets must be updated as the world is on track to pass 1.5C and 2C targets without reducing emissions. Instead, it's time to discuss the carbon debt, the amount of carbon needed by future generations to return to past climate.

(to the source) ?????

Florida signed a bill prohibiting balloon release, effective July 1. Ocean Conservancy praised the move as a win for marine life affected by balloon litter. (to the source) ????

What are your takeaways for the week? What caught your eye?? What was surprising? Comment below, let's discuss sustainability.