EU Omnibus Package: Commission Aims to Simplify Corporate Sustainability Regulations
The European Commission has adopted a new package of proposals “to simplify EU rules, boost competitiveness, and unlock additional investment capacity.”
UN Biodiversity COP16 to Reconvene Next Week in Rome
The UN Biodiversity Conference, suspended last November in Cali, will reconvene from 25-27 February 2025 in Rome, Italy, at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
UNEP-WCMC and UNEP FI Publish Updated Edition of Accountability for Nature Report
The updated edition of 'Accountability for Nature: Comparison of nature-related assessment and disclosure frameworks and standards', co-authored by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), expands its scope to include pollution-related financial risks alongside nature-related assessment and disclosure approaches.
Deal on New EU Rules to Reduce Textile and Food Waste
60 million tonnes of food waste and 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste are generated annually in the EU. The new measures provisionally agreed by the European Parliament and Council would introduce 2030 food waste targets and require producers to cover costs for collecting, sorting and recycling waste textiles.
World Must Pull Together to Build a Fairer, More Sustainable Planet - UNEP’s Annual Report
The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Annual Report calls for a dramatic uptick in ambition and action for the environment.
UNDP and Sylvera Launch Carbon Data Access Partnership to Unlock Africa’s Carbon Potential
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sylvera have launched a Carbon Data Access Partnership (CaDAP) to provide African Governments with world-leading carbon credit data.
IEA: Growth in Global Electricity Demand is Set to Accelerate in the Coming Years
Increase in electricity consumption through 2027 expected to average around 4% annually, driven by growing use for industry, air conditioning, electrification and data centres
Leaders from Government, Business and International Organisations make Commitment to Sustainable AI
At the AI Action Summit held in Paris on February 10–11, 61 countries, the European Union, and the African Union Commission signed the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet.
Majority of Countries Miss Deadline for Updated NDCs
Parties are required to submit updated national climate plans every five years to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat under the Paris Agreement. However, the majority missed yesterday’s deadline, including key top emitters.
UN Global Compact Network USA Releases New Report on Sustainable Finance in the U.S.
The UN Global Compact Network USA (Network USA) has released a new report highlighting the U.S. private sector's pivotal role in supporting global sustainability through innovative financial strategies.
January 2025 Continues Alarming Global Warming Trend
January 2025 was the warmest January globally, with an average surface air temperature of 13.23°C, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
Investors Warn Omnibus Package Could Weaken EU Sustainability Disclosures
More than 200 financial sector actors, including 162 asset owners and asset managers with a combined €6.6tn assets under management, have signed a joint statement calling on the EU Commission to “preserve the integrity and ambition” of the EU’s sustainable finance framework.
UK Minister for Development Announces New Funding and Partnerships to Deliver SDGs
In a speech at the London Stock Exchange, UK Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds announced funding and partnerships to deliver Sustainable Development Goals.
Switzerland Updates Emissions-Reduction Targets
At its meeting on 29 January, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's new reduction target under the Paris Agreement. This corresponds to the reduction path of the Swiss Climate and Innovation Act. By 2035, Switzerland should reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared to 1990 levels, and by 59% on average between 2031 and 2035.
Rosebank and Jackdaw Oil and Gas Fields Consent Unlawfully Granted, Scottish Court Rules
The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled that consent to drill Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields was approved unlawfully, after UK NGOs Uplift and Greenpeace launched legal challenges.
International Clean Energy Day and 16 years of IRENA
January 26 marks the second International Day of Clean Energy, declared by the UN General Assembly, as a call to raise awareness and mobilise action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.