Quick learning bites to start your day 🌟

• Global renewable energy capacity reached over 3,700 gigawatts in 2024, accounting for 40% of total power generation.
• Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels peaked in 2023, with a projected decline of 1.5% annually through 2030.
• Deforestation rates in the Amazon dropped by 22% in 2024 compared to the previous year, thanks to stricter enforcement.
• Electric vehicle sales surpassed 18 million units worldwide in 2024, making up 22% of total car sales.
• Plastic recycling rates hit 12% globally in 2025, up from 9% in 2020, but still far from circular economy goals.

Longer reads to satiate your curiosity 📈

ESG Developments & Reporting

• What The ESG Backlash Reveals And What Comes Next This Forbes article delves into the recent pushback against ESG initiatives and speculates on future trends in sustainable business practices.
• EU Council Approves ‘Stop the Clock’ Plan to Delay Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence Rules The European Council has formally approved a delay in the implementation schedule for specific sector sustainability reporting standards and corporate due diligence rules.

AI & Sustainability

• AI is limited in tackling ‘hard’ sustainability problems: experts Experts caution that while AI offers potential, it currently has limitations in addressing the most complex and fundamental sustainability challenges.
• AI and ESG: the dynamic duo revolutionising sustainable reporting Fintech Futures explores the synergistic relationship between Artificial Intelligence and ESG criteria, highlighting how AI is transforming sustainable reporting processes.
• Guest Post: Clean Energy in the Age of AI – Striking the Right Balance This ESG Today guest post examines the critical need to balance the significant energy demands of advancing AI technologies with the imperative for clean energy development.

Climate Action & Impacts

• 84% of Companies Keeping or Accelerating Climate Targets: PwC Despite economic pressures, a substantial majority of companies (84%) are maintaining or even speeding up their climate action goals, according to a PwC survey.
• Global warming of more than 3°C this century may wipe 40% off the world’s economy, new analysis reveals New economic analysis highlighted by The Conversation warns that exceeding 3°C of global warming could lead to a devastating 40% reduction in global economic value this century.
• Climate and nature risk: A little less conversation, a little more action Green Central Banking argues for a shift from discussion to decisive action within the financial sector regarding the management of climate and nature-related risks.

Corporate Sustainability Initiatives

• Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways expand sustainability commitment Virgin Australia and partner Qatar Airways have announced plans to broaden their collaborative efforts focused on sustainability within the aviation sector.

Market Trends & Policy

• Sustainability Certification Market - Global Forecast to 2030 This market report analyzes the growing global demand and projected future growth for sustainability certification services across various industries through 2030.
• Environmental sustainability initiatives related to highly traded agricultural commodities The OECD provides insights into various initiatives aimed at improving environmental sustainability within the supply chains of major internationally traded agricultural goods.

Australian Focus

• Climate Change & Federal Election: Everything You Need to Know The Climate Council offers resources outlining the critical role and implications of climate change policies in the context of Australian federal elections.
• Acciona closes $453 million green finance deal for Aldoga solar farm Acciona Energía has successfully secured A$453 million in green financing for the development of its Aldoga Solar Farm located near Gladstone, Queensland.

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