Sustainability Progress Report #24

?? Welcome to the Sustainability Progress Report! This is a weekly newsletter that explores news in corporate sustainability, corporate best practices, changes in regulation and compliance, EU climate and green energy policies, breakthroughs in technological innovation, worldwide impacts of climate change, government and community response to it, labour rights, and due diligence. It’s usually published on Fridays (unless vacation ??). If you’re new here and you’d like to stay up-to-date, click the “Subscribe” button above.?

How is the EU managing its climate stripes this week?

Legend:?

??? climate change?

?? fires?

?? litigation/violation

???? regulatory/policy changes??

?? financial????

?? waste/pollution?

?? forests/biodiversity?

?? water?

?? energy??

?? decarbonization??

?? emissions?

? innovation?

?? reporting/governance

?? food?

?? fisheries

?? apparel?

?? transport

?? air transport

?? animals/biodiversity

???? labour or human rights?

Regulatory talks.

NGOs, including Dryade, Fossielvrij NL, and Protect our Winters Austria filed a case in the European Court of Justice to force the Commission to review the criteria for the inclusion of polluting fossil fuel planes and ships in the EU Taxonomy. They argue that the criteria are weak and incompatible with a 1.5°C pathway and that the taxonomy should be based on conclusive science. (to the source) ??????

The EU is facing a lawsuit for failing to set ambitious climate targets in sectors contributing over half of its greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Action Network Europe and Global Legal Action Network argue these targets are inadequate and not based on the best science.? The Commission denied the claims, stating it analysed the regulation's impacts on fundamental rights and did not need science-based assessments. (to the source) ??????

EU law mandates 10% critical raw materials for energy transition by 2030, prompting policymakers to legislate for the safe disposal of mining waste. Transport & Environment criticised Europe's mining waste rules for not meeting global environmental and social standards. The Critical Raw Materials Act aims to extract 10% of raw materials, driving investment in mineral extraction. (to the source) ????????

Croatia introduced a new Law on Building Management and Maintenance, prohibiting the installation of external air conditioning units on building facades and imposing fines for violations. (to the source) ????????

Canada's auto manufacturing industry supports 125.000 jobs but faces unfair competition from Chinese producers. The government has announced measures to level the playing field, including a surtax on Chinese-made EVs, a 25% surtax on imports of Chinese steel and aluminum products, and limiting eligibility for Zero Emission Vehicle incentives to Canadian-made products. (to the source) ??????

The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) introduced a decarbonization framework for the buildings sector, aiming to align it with global net-zero targets. The framework requires companies and financial institutions to reduce emissions by half by 2030, including stopping fossil fuel installations, reducing operational emissions, cutting embodied emissions, and retrofitting inefficient buildings. (to the source) ??????

Australia passed legislation mandating comprehensive climate-related risk and opportunity disclosures in companies' value chains, aiming to accelerate the country's net zero economies. This is part of a sustainable finance strategy, with standards being developed by the Australian Accounting Standards Board. (to the source) ???????

A study reveals that despite Germany's supply chain due diligence law, most firms prioritise financial metrics over sustainability when selecting suppliers, suggesting the law may not effectively shift corporate focus towards sustainable practices. (to the source) ????????

Industry talks.

The beauty industry faces challenges such as tracing ingredients, contributing to carbon emissions, deforestation, pollution, and waste. Consumers demand transparency and "clean beauty," but major brands struggle with research and environmental regulations. (to the source) ???

Lego, a Danish toymaker, plans to gradually reduce fossil fuel content in its building bricks by replacing it with certified renewable resin (bioplastics).? By 2032, Lego aims to make all products from renewable and recycled materials, despite the market being in its infancy. (to the source) ???

A new report highlights the importance of digitalization in transforming the energy sector, where nearly half of the energy organisations plan to integrate AI-driven applications into their operations in the coming year. Companies are using digital technologies for decarbonization and energy transition. They are also advanced in emerging technologies like AI and digital twins. AI is estimated to obtain a $1.3 trillion decrease in clean energy generation costs and a $188 billion reduction in grid equipment costs by 2050. (to the source) ???

Wood finalised the technical feasibility assessment of three carbon capture and storage projects in Norway's continental shelf, Trudvang, Luna, and Havstjerne CCS, which could store up to 21 million tonnes of CO2 annually. (to the source) ????

A carbon capture facility in Ellesmere Port, England, is set to receive planning approval. The facility will capture and store CO2 emissions equivalent to 200.000 cars per year. If approved, it would be one of the first UK facilities associated with an energy recovery facility, capturing 380.000 metric tons of CO2 per year. The captured emissions will be transported via pipeline to an offshore storage site in Liverpool Bay. (to the source) ????

Finland is building the world's largest heat pump to heat homes in Helsinki, aiming to decarbonise the city's district heating system. The air-to-water heat pump, powered by renewable electricity, will provide heat for 30.000 homes, saving 26.000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The plant, supplied by German manufacturer MAN Energy Solution, is expected to start by 2026. (to the source) ????

China's top energy officials deny speculation that the country's carbon emissions have peaked years ahead of target, stating that meeting the goal requires "great efforts" and that domestic energy demand is still growing. (to the source) ????

Exxon predicts oil demand will remain above 100 million barrels a day over the next 25 years, despite an energy transition not curbing global fossil fuel consumption. The company warns of a global oil shock if companies fail to invest, as crude prices could quadruple as supply falls. This contrasts with BP's forecast of 75 million barrels a day in 2050. (to the source) ????

CO2 Value Europe's report emphasises the need for Europe to accelerate carbon capture and utilisation technologies to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It calls for 320 MtCO2 capture (55% to be used for production), and calls for stronger EU institutional support, policy inclusion, and infrastructure construction. (to the source) ????

Facebook owner Meta Platforms has agreed to buy 150 megawatts of geothermal power from Sage Geosystems for its US data centres, marking a significant expansion of geothermal power use in the US. The deal aligns with President Biden's administration's push for clean power generation. (to the source) ????

China's International Energy Agency report suggests that its carbon neutrality strategy could reduce direct emissions from heating in buildings by 75%, with heat pumps supplying at least 20% of light industry heat demand by 2050. The report suggests stringent building performance requirements, energy benchmarks, heat pump installation requirements, and extension of emissions trading schemes could drive heat pump adoption. (to the source) ????

Microsoft will buy 100% of solar power from the SolarNova 8 project in Singapore, the largest solar project in the country generated by panels on public housing. (to the source) ????

?rsted is set to close its Esbjerg Power Station, in efforts to reduce annual CO? emissions by 1.2 million tonnes. The company aims to achieve a 99% green energy share by 2025, focusing on wind and solar farms and collaborating with local partners for district heating transition. (to the source) ????

The European Commission plans to force airlines to monitor emissions under its trading system. The US airlines lobby opposes draft rules to report aircraft pollution beyond carbon dioxide, arguing it raises extraterritorial concerns. (to the source) ????

North Rhine-Westphalia's Finance Minister, Marcus Optendrenk, proposes hiring students to inspect packages from Chinese online retailers Temu and Shein at German airports, aiming to combat unfair competition. (to the source) ??????

The aviation industry is exploring hybrid airplanes to make flying greener, but they face challenges such as heavy batteries and range limitations. While electric planes attract investment, landing a plane periodically to recharge would make air travel unbearable. (to the source) ????

In 2023, zero-carbon technologies accounted for 40% of global electricity generation, with renewable energy sources like wind and solar contributing 17%. Brazil and China reached their 2030 targets for renewable energy, but current commitments are insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5C. BNEF predicts increased investments in renewables from 2024 to 2030. (to the source) ????

Venture capitalists have become cautious about funding climate-tech startups, but see opportunities in battery storage and electric grid efficiency. This year, they invested $19 billion in 1,235 deals, with the US accounting for $6.7 billion. (to the source) ????

Germany's Economy Ministry announced a 3.3 billion euros ($3.7 billion) funding initiative to support decarbonization in its industry sector, focusing on innovative solutions like offshore storage of carbon. The initiative aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. (to the source) ????

Norway's Bank Investment Management has committed €900 million ($1.01 billion) to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners' fifth renewable energy fund, CI V, to raise above the target fund size of 12 billion euros. (to the source) ????

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has exceeded EUR 100 billion in sustainability funding through its Climate and Sustainability Awareness Bonds, including a heavily oversubscribed EUR 5 billion 10-year Climate Awareness Euro Area Reference Note, which attracted over EUR 34.5 billion in demand. (to the source) ????

Heatflation, a rising food price exacerbated by extreme heat, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, necessitating investments in resilient agricultural practices, diversification, waste reduction, and food security policies. (to the source) ????

If the brand doesn’t pay the workers fairly, you can. With DAWN’s Tip Me feature. DAWN deems Tip Me is not a salary substitute. (to the source) ????

Ocean fishing capacity is increasing, but sustainable levels aren't keeping up. Fisheries managers rely on overly optimistic fish population forecasts, increasing overfishing risk and limiting catch limits. (to the source) ????

Japan's top shipping companies and shipbuilders are collaborating to establish standard specifications for liquefied carbon dioxide carriers, aiming to meet increasing demand and explore decarbonization technologies. (to the source) ????

Britain is open to Chinese electric vehicles, contrasting the US and Europe's reluctance. Showrooms in London showcase a growing Chinese presence, potentially influencing other countries to reconsider their stance on Chinese imports. (to the source) ????

South Africa's Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled TotalEnergies' sustainability claims misleading, marking the first such challenge in the country. Environmental advocacy group Fossil Free SA filed the complaint, accusing TotalEnergies of "lying to the public" about its commitment to sustainable development. (to the source) ????

The UK government refuses to contest legal challenges against Rosebank development, allowing the Labour government to decide on the project, despite environmental campaign claims from Greenpeace and Uplift. (to the source) ????

Global talks.

B Lab Singapore's head of business development and partnerships resigned after four months, following a management restructure. And the organisation’s CEO position has been vacant since December.? (to the source) ????

South Korea's Constitutional Court ordered the government to provide specific plans for meeting its 2049 climate goals, following four climate cases by 254 plaintiffs. The plaintiffs argued that South Korea's current goal of cutting carbon emissions by 35% by 2030 is inadequate and lacks sufficient implementation plans. The case could set a precedent for other East Asian countries. (to the source) ????

Brazil's largest companies have launched a manifesto urging society to combat climate change, calling for a national plan for decarbonization and collaboration to protect the Amazon forest. (to the source) ?????

The Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga has prompted Pacific nations to address climate-related damage, with Tuvalu calling for a homegrown climate adaptation fund and a transition away from polluting fuels. Australia is aiming to improve its green credentials and co-host the COP31 climate conference. Tensions have been forming over China's security ambitions and deep-sea mining, with Tonga favouring the industry. (to the source) ?????

The UN has issued a global SOS warning to address the devastating impacts of rising seas, particularly the Pacific Islands, urging global leaders to improve early warning systems and reduce emissions. (to the source) ??????

The drought hikers experience on the Pacific Crest Trail in Northern California highlights the impacts of climate change and the importance of water in outdoor recreation and the challenges faced by long-distance hikers. (to the source) ??????

Greece's drought crisis is worsened by high tourist numbers and outdated water networks, leading to water shortages, dried lakes, and the death of wild horse populations. Experts recommend infrastructure improvements and changes in water management. (to the source) ??????

The Gorkha earthquake in Nepal led to a massive avalanche and air blast disaster in Langtang Valley and resulted in over 350 deaths in 2015 was exacerbated by climate change. A study shows that snow cover and warm temperatures increase the avalanche's mobility and destructive power, highlighting the importance of seasonal and climatic variations in avalanche runout and air blast dynamics. (to the source) ??????

Italy is facing another heatwave this week, with temperatures peaking over the weekend. The Mediterranean's above-average sea surface temperatures are causing high humidity and unusually warm temperatures. Italy's Civil Protection Department issued yellow and red weather warnings, posing health risks. (to the source) ??????

In 2026, a climate and glacier interpretation center will open in Chamonix, France, to showcase glacier evolution and our relationship with them. The center will feature a cable car, a historical hotel, and Montenvers mountain railway, allowing visitors to experience the melting Mer de Glace glacier. (to the source) ?????

A Dam collapse in eastern Sudan flooded homes and killed at least 30 people, according to the U.N. Office. The dam damaged 70 villages, including 20 destroyed ones, damaging 50.000 homes, 77% of the total population. The total damage is still being assessed. (to the source) ?????

The UK faces a risk of missing its 30x30 commitment to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, ranking among the bottom 10% globally for biodiversity. The UK needs urgent government-led action to restore ecosystems, reduce emissions, sequester carbon, and meet climate targets. (to the source) ?????

Laos is implementing a program funded by Australia to establish administrative capacity and credit guidelines for carbon market participation, allowing the country to issue its own carbon credits and establish positive emissions impact legal frameworks. (to the source) ????

Carbon Removal Canada and industry players are urging a national consultation on a permanent carbon removal target in Canada, starting in early 2025, to signal the private sector's investment, create jobs, and boost global environmental competitiveness. (to the source) ????

China plans to accelerate decarbonisation upgrades to coal power plants, despite coal power still playing a role in electricity supplies. Despite expanding renewable power generation, China approved 200 GW of new coal power in 2022. (to the source) ????

Republican officials in 24 states filed emergency appeals with the Supreme Court to halt the Biden administration's efforts to reduce methane emissions, arguing that the EPA's rule is unsustainable and that states must design plans within two years. (to the source) ????

New research suggests that the 2021 pledge to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030 may not slow global warming as much as projected due to climate system feedback and large methane emissions in the Arctic, which trap 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over 20 years. (to the source) ????

According to a study, Canada's wildfires in 2022 released 647 megatonnes of greenhouse gases, surpassing seven of the ten largest emitting countries. Dependence on forests as a long-term carbon sink for industrial emissions and the inaccurate calculations of the global carbon budget to estimate GHG emissions is concerning. (to the source) ????

Yemen's Houthi rebels set fire to an oil tanker in the Red Sea, potentially leaking oil. The attacked tanker, Greek-owned MV Sounion, is carrying over 150.000 tonnes of crude oil with the potential for the spill to be the largest in recorded history. (to the source) ????

Food inflation is increasing globally due to extreme weather events, geopolitical conflict, high input costs, and increased demand. Climate change is expected to become a more common feature, and the US presidential election campaign discussed banning "price gouging." (to the source) ????

US asset managers are leaving Climate Action 100+, an investor initiative aiming to reduce emissions and improve governance, due to legal risks, political pressure, and financing of fossil fuels by major banks. (to the source) ????

The EU's European city air quality viewer ranks 375 cities, with 13 below WHO's guideline level. The European Green Deal aims to reduce premature deaths by 55% by 2030 and no health impacts by 2050. Uppsala, Ume?, and Faro have the cleanest air in Europe. (to the source) ???

Ember's study suggests that agri-PV, combining electricity and crop production, could boost renewable electricity in Czech, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, equivalent to 68% of energy demand. By 2030, 180 GW of solar panels could be installed on crops across central European countries, triple the targeted capacity. (to the source) ????

Alaska's Department of the Interior halted a decision to remove protections for Native tribes, entities, and corporations without proper analysis, consultation, and legal requirements at the same time prohibiting new oil and gas leases. The announcement builds on current conservation actions for millions of acres of Alaska's lands and waters, citing the lands as crucial for safeguarding natural, subsistence, and cultural resources. (to the source) ????

What news caught your eye this week? What news surprised you? Share your thoughts and let's discuss! ??