Sustainability Progress Report #27

👋 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?

#policies

The European Commission is staying with its plan to ban deforestation-related imports from January, despite pressure from governments, trading partners, and conservative lawmakers, with third countries like the US, Brazil, and Austria also pushing for the delay. (to the source)

The UN General Assembly adopted a "Pact for the Future" to promote effective multilateralism, addressing themes like peace, security, global governance, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth, and future generations. Russia's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister criticised the adoption. (to the source)

EU climate scientist Edenhofer warns that the EU will miss its climate targets if it doesn't force the agricultural sector to pay for its GHG emissions. Farming accounts for 12% of the EU's emissions, but has avoided strict climate legislation due to farmers' protests. The issue of forcing farmers or other food chain parties to pay for emissions is on the agenda for Brussels' next five-year mandate. (to the source)

A study reveals that 60% of 1,977 publicly traded companies followed by the Net Zero Tracker pledged to achieve net zero by 2050. However, the majority of these commitments need to be stronger. The study found that only 5% of pledges meet minimum requirements of integrity and quality, with Google and Volvo Group being notable examples. 40% of subnational and corporate entities have not set emissions reduction targets, making it harder for countries to achieve their own goals. And around 500 companies, including BYD, Hertz, Nintendo, and Berkshire Hathaway, lack net-zero targets. (to the source)

The Global Systems Institute’s report suggests that policymakers could create "positive tipping points" by introducing mandates for key sectors to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. These points could trigger positive cascades in related sectors, accelerating the low-carbon transition and lowering consumer prices. The report recommends four such mandates, including phasing out coal power by 2035 and 2045 for developed and developing countries. (to the source)

Malaysian large listed companies will have to report their Scope 3 emissions by 2027, which incorporate indirect emissions from their value chain not included in Scope 1 and Scope 2. (to the source)

#trends

Companies hiring sustainability talent from consultancies may create a shortage of consulting expertise, according to a recruiter. Companies often seek in-house expertise, which is difficult to find. The recruiter emphasises the need for a healthy consulting market to fill the green skills gap. (to the source)

Electric vehicles are gaining popularity to combat climate change, but concerns over lithium-ion batteries persist. India's mining legislation allows private mining in forest reserves, threatening local livelihoods and ecosystems. Indonesia's nickel mining investments have little benefit. (to the source)

Azerbaijan continues to face scrutiny for hosting the climate summit. This year’s agenda includes increasing energy storage capacity, unlocking clean hydrogen markets, reducing methane from food and organic waste, and creating green energy zones but does not call for fossil fuel phaseout. The 2024 Global Investment letter, signed by the California Public Employees' Retirement System and New York State Common Retirement Fund, calls for policymakers to phase out fossil fuel use in line with 1.5ºC pathways. (to the source)

Human Rights Watch suggests that Sarawak, Malaysia's most likely rainforest to be lost due to timber and palm oil concessions, should be designated as high-risk under upcoming anti-deforestation regulations. (to the source)

InfluenceMap identified 40 global leaders with the best lobbying practices on climate, including eight new additions, including General Mills, Biogen, Amazon, L'Oreal, Johnson Controls, Coca-Cola, Daiwa House Industry, and Deutsche Telekom. (to the source)

Chemicals group BASF announced that its Ludwigshafen plant in Germany may cease production of adipic acid and cyclododecanone, which are building blocks for synthetic fibers. The company plans to make the plant "leaner but stronger" and enable customers' green transformation by securing more renewable feedstocks. (to the source)

The renewed push for a carbon credits market is among the key themes at New York Climate Week, as governments face economic pressure and companies struggle to cut emissions. Companies like Amazon, Salesforce, PepsiCo, McDonald's, banks, Nike, Santander, and REI are among those supporting the scheme. (to the source)

Capgemini Research Institute reports that organisations are accelerating sustainability initiatives despite geopolitical challenges, but only 36% are fully prepared for Scope 3 emissions, and public trust is waning due to greenwashing concerns. (to the source)

#labour_rights

Four workers died last year due to hot weather and suspected human trafficking. This year, Champagne makers are taking steps to protect workers from abuse and uphold the reputation of the renowned sparkling wines. The Champagne Growers' Association called for the entire sector to mobilise and ensure equal pay for both French nationals and foreigners. (to the source)

UK retailers are facing large-scale equal pay claims from retail workers, who claim lower wages are due to gender discrimination. Retail workers, overwhelmingly female, claim their work is equal to warehouse workers, and are legally entitled to the same pay rate. Similar claims are being brought against major UK retailers. (to the source)

#green_claims

Vanguard Investments Australia has been fined $12.9 million for greenwashing, admitting to misleading investors in a landmark case. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) sought $21.6 million in penalties, which Vanguard's lawyers argued would eat up the company's net annual profit. (to the source)

TotalEnergies is appealing a South African advertising regulator's ruling that it was misleading to claim sustainable development in a campaign with national parks, highlighting the growing climate change battle between activists and oil companies. (to the source)

#energy_transition

Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources plans to boost wind and solar power capacity to 100 GW by 2035, exporting 25 billion cubic meters of gas to the EU market. The country aims for carbon neutrality by 2053 and is investing heavily in gas infrastructure. (to the source)

Climate Week NYC and the United Nations General Assembly aim to generate trillions of dollars to help poorer countries transition to renewable energy sources. (to the source)

Fourteen major banks and financial institutions, including Bank of America, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs, are pledging to boost their support for nuclear energy, aiming to unlock finance for a new wave of nuclear power plants. The move aims to triple the world's nuclear energy capacity by 2050, addressing the high cost of financing nuclear projects. The support could be achieved through increased lending, bond sales, or introduction to private equity or credit funds. (to the source)

French company Vinci Autoroutes is testing an electric highway system that recharges an electric vehicle's battery while driving. Funded by the French government at €26 million, the system uses inductive coils beneath asphalt to reduce battery size and space out stops. It also aims to reduce battery manufacturing materials. (to the source)

Amogy, a New York-based startup, successfully launched a tugboat powered by ammonia, demonstrating the potential of the maritime industry to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. (to the source)

#decarbonisation

Tilt Collective and Systemiq’s report suggests investing in plant-based food systems can lead to greater emissions cuts/$ than renewable energy or electric vehicles. Every $1B invested in plant-based companies could result in 28 million tonnes of CO2e mitigation. (to the source)

British Airways invested £9 million in carbon removal credits to reduce its carbon footprint by 2030. The company will buy over 33,000 tonnes of credits over six years, supporting climate plans in Scotland, Canada, and India. The company is the largest buyer of carbon removals in the UK. (to the source)

The SBTi is revising its Net-Zero Standard, focusing on a new approach to carbon removal. The revised strategy will clarify immediate actions for companies, address Scope 3 emissions, and open for public consultation. (to the source)

Google partnered with Brazilian startup Mombak to purchase 50,000 metric tons of nature-based carbon removal credits by 2030, marking the first time Google has invested in forestry-based credits. The partnership is part of the Symbiosis Coalition, which aims for 20 million tons. (to the source)

ExxonMobil released key insights from its pilot direct air capture (DAC) project in Baytown, Texas, which was completed in less than a year from concept development. The team identified optimization opportunities in the system's active material, mechanical design, and operating procedures. (to the source)

Vietnam's Mekong Delta farmers will receive $40 million in carbon credit payments through a low-emission rice initiative, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable growth. The pilot phase of a low-emission rice project in five provinces across 300 hectares reduced input costs, increased rice prices, and boosted farmers' incomes. (to the source)

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are reports on each country's plans and progress towards reducing carbon emissions, that help coordinate climate policies and determine if the world is on track with its climate goals. The next NDC update round is due in February 2025, with some countries announcing plans during COP29. NDCs can also reveal backsliding on climate policies. (to the source)

Ground-level ozone from fossil fuel burning decreases tropical forests' carbon absorption. It has prevented 290 million tonnes of carbon capture since 2000. Monitoring and improving air quality are crucial for protecting these carbon sinks. (to the source)

📎 Patch released a 37-page guide for CSOs to help them incorporate carbon credits into their action plans. The guide covers topics like setting strategic goals, navigating policy, market acceleration, budgeting, and a buyer specification sheet. The playbook aims to drive informed action. (to the source)

According to new research, carbon sequestration on agricultural land has significant mitigation potential, potentially generating revenues of up to 375 billion USD, enabling net-zero emissions by 2050, and increasing GDP by 0.6%. (to the source)

#waste

California's attorney general filed a lawsuit against Exxon Mobil, accusing the company of misleading consumers about plastic product recycling and polluting the state, seeking civil penalties. (to the source)

#outdoor

Fjällräven launched Pre-Loved, a peer-to-peer resale marketplace for second-hand apparel, bags, and gear. The platform, provided by Archive, aims to reduce waste and promote circularity in the outdoor and apparel industries. (to the source)

The Renovo Collection, the most recent collaboration between Cotopaxi and Portland Garment Factory, features jackets and vests made from 100% upcycled pre-loved Cotopaxi products. (to the source)

French outdoor brand Picture Organic Clothing and Italian hiking shoe label La Sportiva partnered to create a capsule collection. The profits will support Protect Our Winters’ projects focusing on mountain preservation, including low-carbon travel solutions and glacier preservation. (to the source)

Dowsil introduced a new finishing product for durable water repellency (DWR), Dowsil IE-9100 Emulsion. The product matches fluoro-containing emulsions' DWR performance, making it suitable for high-performance outerwear fabrics allowing manufacturers and brands to customise repellency levels for specific applications. Potential environmental impacts haven’t been discussed. (to the source)

German outdoor brand Vaude was validated for its net zero strategy, aiming to reach net zero by 2040. The company aims to make 90% of its products from biobased or recycled materials by 2030. (to the source)

#apparel

Woolmark launches the 'Wear Wool, Not Waste' campaign to combat 'throwaway fashion culture', promoting wool as a sustainable solution. (to the source)

Bergstrand Consultancy is seeking new members of its Good Wool Initiative, a network of global experts to transition brands to wool as a cost-effective material solution. The initiative aims to reduce the complexity of transitioning to wool, benefiting sheep, communities, and the planet while minimising business impact. (to the source)

Bangladesh, the world's second-biggest clothing exporter, needs assistance with CSDDD implementation from major brands during a political transition following mass protests. Industry associations and government agencies can encourage a common approach to cleaner and fairer practices, but suppliers also need brands' support. (to the source)

#circular_economy

📎 The I AM CIRCULAR challenge which started a couple of days ago and will run till 15 November, will showcase innovative circular products and solutions. The selected top 30 innovations will be featured and recognized for durability solutions, natural integration, and creative reuse of materials. (to the source)

Spain's National Association for Footwear Components Manufacturers AEC and Madrid-based recycling group Implica partnered to assess waste management systems and develop sustainable strategies for waste materials, aiming to increase competitiveness in the market. (to the source)

#innovation

UK start-up Real Ice is developing a plan to pump seawater over the Arctic Ocean to thicken the region's vanishing sea ice. Field trials in the Canadian Arctic have shown that this method can preserve sea ice throughout the summer. The startup is developing a system to create new layers of ice to protect the region's vital ecosystem. (to the source)

Chinese scientists have developed a leaf transpiration generator that uses plant transpiration to generate electricity, potentially transforming most of Earth's leaves into a sustainable, continuous energy source. (to the source)

#climate_change

Japan's weather agency issued a high emergency warning for Ishikawa prefecture due to record rainfall, causing 16 rivers to breach, six deaths, and thousands of evacuations. The storm also cut power to over 6,200 households. (to the source)

Warmer temperatures are altering the black-throated blue warbler's migration, potentially causing them to arrive after the peak period for insects to emerge. Climate change is a top three threat for migrating birds, and some are less adaptable, missing out on important insects and flowers. A study found that migration and timing for some species are more closely related to the long-term average date for peak spring greening and leaf out. (to the source)

Developing nations are urging the world's richest economies, particularly the G20, to help them cope with climate extremes. This highlights the growing disparity between nations contributing most to global warming and those suffering its worst effects. Scientists warn that humanity has damaged six natural systems and threatened ocean chemistry. (to the source)

Hurricane John hit Mexico's southern Pacific coast, transforming from a tropical storm to a major hurricane in just hours. As a Category 3 hurricane, it hit land near Oaxaca state with sustained winds of 120 mph. The unexpected surge in strength, attributed to warmer oceans, has become increasingly common. Businesses closed, and Oaxaca's governor suspended classes in coastal zones. (to the source)

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) accused major corporations of supporting far-right political movements, exacerbating the climate crisis, and violating trade union rights. The report includes Amazon, Tesla, Meta, ExxonMobil, Blackstone, Vanguard, and Glencore. The ITUC is pushing for an international treaty to hold transnational corporations accountable under international human rights laws, highlighting their role in undermining democracy and climate change. (to the source)

Bolivia's wildfires set a record, with 70,628 fire hot spots surpassing the 2010 rate. The country faces drought, land clearances, and booming cattle and grain production, with aid coming from the EU, Canada, Brazil, and Venezuela. (to the source)

The shipping industry, responsible for 3% of global GHG emissions, contributes to over 250,000 premature deaths annually. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea advised countries to cut emissions, including shipping, to protect the ocean and support SDGs. (to the source)

The World Weather Attribution study reveals that global heating has doubled the likelihood of extreme rain events, including deadly floods in central Europe, and suggests a 7% increase in intensity if temperatures rise 2C. (to the source)

India's Prime Minister Modi criticised the West for claiming India contributes to global destruction, highlighting its 17% population produces less than 4% of carbon emissions. He emphasised India's focus on the green energy transition, stating that it has created many green jobs. (to the source)

What stood out to you this week? Any surprising news? Share your takeaways and let's discuss the latest in sustainability! 👇