Quick learning bites:

Easy to digest learning sparks to illuminate your day:

• SAF Production Doubles, But Remains a Drop in the Ocean: Global production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is forecast to double in 2025. However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) notes this will still only account for 0.7% of the industry's total fuel needs, at a significantly higher cost. [Source: ESG Today]
• Australia's Food System's Staggering Hidden Costs: A landmark CSIRO report has revealed Australia's food system has hidden environmental and health costs of up to $274 billion annually—the highest per capita in the world. [Source: CSIRO]
• Food Insecurity a Major Challenge: The same CSIRO report found that nearly one-third of Australian households experience moderate or severe food insecurity each year, highlighting a major disconnect between production and equitable access. [Source: CSIRO]
• AI's Dual Role in Sustainability: While AI is being increasingly leveraged to solve sustainability challenges like optimising travel and reporting emissions, its own energy consumption is a growing and complex concern, demanding a careful balance between innovation and impact. [Source: Forbes, ZDNet]
• ESG Recruitment Pace "Steadies" in Australia: After a period of rapid growth, the pace of ESG-related recruitment in Australia is reportedly steadying, indicating a market maturation while long-term demand for sustainability expertise remains strong. [Source: Money Management]
• Consumer Demand for Sustainable Fashion Shifts to Action: The trend in sustainable fashion is moving beyond just brand transparency, with a growing consumer focus on circular models like clothing repair, reuse, and rental services to reduce waste. [Source: Fashion Network]
• Digital Workflows Drive Construction Sustainability: Leading the way in Europe, Nordic countries are demonstrating that digital workflows and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are key to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry from the earliest design stages. [Source: Construction Briefing, Modern Diplomacy]

Longer reads:

For those who want to delve deeper, here are the curated articles for this edition:

1. Australian Focus & Policy

• First National Stocktake of Australia’s Food System Reveals Hidden Costs and Big Opportunities: CSIRO's groundbreaking report uncovers the true environmental and health costs of our food system and identifies key areas for transformation. (CSIRO)
• Corporate Sustainability In A Post-Election Australia - Part II: Anthesis Group provides key takeaways for businesses navigating the Australian landscape, focusing on mandatory reporting (ASRS), human rights due diligence, and circular economy opportunities. (Anthesis Group)
• ESG and Sustainability Rise Up Strong Again: An analysis of the enduring strength and importance of the ESG and sustainability agenda within the Australian market. (The Fifth Estate)
• ESG Recruitment Pace Steadies Amid Long-Term Demand: A look into the current trends in the Australian job market for sustainability and ESG professionals. (Money Management)

2. Corporate Strategy & Leadership

• Top 10 Corporate Sustainability Priorities for 2025: Harvard Law School Forum outlines the key focus areas for sustainability leaders, including biodiversity, water, business integration, and AI. (Harvard Law School)
• Sustainability Backsliding? Business Leadership in an Age of Backlash: An exploration of the pressures facing corporate sustainability initiatives and the importance of resilient leadership in the face of economic and political headwinds. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
• Selling Sustainability: What Drives Consumers to Choose Responsible Fashion: An insight into the evolving consumer mindset, moving from simple brand claims to a demand for circularity and genuine impact. (Fashion Network)

3. Sustainable Aviation & Travel

• Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production to Double in 2025, IATA Says: A look at the growth and significant challenges facing SAF, including supply constraints and high costs. (ESG Today)
• The Airbus Guide to Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Airbus provides its perspective on the complexities and potential of SAF as a key decarbonisation tool for the aviation industry. (Sustainability Magazine)
• How Travel Is Getting Smart And More Sustainable With AI: Reuters explores how artificial intelligence is being used to optimise travel planning and promote more sustainable tourism. (Reuters)

4. AI & Technology in Sustainability

• AI And The Future Of Sustainability: Building Intelligence For Impact: Forbes examines how AI can be architected to drive meaningful and positive sustainability outcomes. (Forbes)
• Kyndryl Q&A: Do AI Climate Tools Actually Exist?: A discussion on the current state of market-ready AI tools designed to help organisations tackle climate-related challenges. (Sustainability Magazine)
• How Much Energy Does AI Really Use? The Answer is Surprising and a Little Complicated: ZDNet delves into the nuances of measuring the significant energy footprint of AI technologies. (ZDNet)

5. Construction & Finance

• Why are Digital Workflows Key to Building a More Sustainable Construction Industry?: An analysis of how digitalisation is becoming essential for sustainable practices in construction. (Construction Briefing)
• Nordic Leadership in Low-Carbon Construction: A Blueprint for Europe’s Sustainable Future: A look at the innovative policies and technologies that are positioning Nordic nations as leaders in sustainable building. (Modern Diplomacy)
• Green Bonds Enjoying Fresh Shoots Despite US Pushback on ESG: This piece explores the continued growth and investor appetite for green bonds, even in the face of political headwinds against ESG in some regions. (IO&C)

‍