Here’s the latest sustainability news from the last week:
Global carbon emissions reach record high: According to a report by the Global Carbon Project, global carbon emissions reached a record high of 40.6 billion tonnes in 2023. The report also found that emissions from fossil fuels are increasing again after a brief decline in 2020.
EU agrees on methane emissions cuts: The European Union has agreed on a new law that will require major polluters, including power plants, refineries, and landfills, to cut their methane emissions by 75% by 2030. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that is more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming the planet.
New York sues PepsiCo over plastics pollution: The state of New York is suing PepsiCo, alleging that the company’s plastic bottles and other packaging are polluting the environment. The lawsuit claims that PepsiCo has failed to take adequate steps to reduce its plastic waste and that the company’s products are harming the environment.
Toyota’s Camry becomes all-hybrid: Toyota has announced that its Camry sedan, the best-selling car in the United States, will now be offered only as a hybrid. The company is also making plans to increase its production of all-electric vehicles.
Wales’ first biomethane refuelling station opens: Wales’ first biomethane refuelling station has opened in Bangor. The station will provide biomethane, a renewable fuel made from organic waste, to trucks and buses. Biomethane is a cleaner alternative to diesel and can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Octopus Energy launches $3.7 billion offshore wind fund: Octopus Energy, a UK-based energy company, has launched a $3.7 billion offshore wind fund. The fund will invest in the development of new offshore wind farms in the UK and around the world. Offshore wind is a renewable source of energy that can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Colombia creates biodiversity fund: Colombia has created a new biodiversity fund that will aim to raise nearly $1 billion to protect the country’s rainforests and other ecosystems. The fund will support projects that promote sustainable development and conservation.
Canada court overturns government ruling on plastics: A Canadian court has overturned a government ruling that some plastics are not toxic. The court ruled that the government’s assessment of the risks of plastics was flawed and that the government should reconsider its approach to regulating plastics.
EBRD backs 4 billion euro plan to wean North Macedonia off coal power: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has agreed to back a 4 billion euro plan to help North Macedonia wean itself off coal power. The plan will finance the construction of new natural gas and solar power plants.
Kenya could lose up to 7.25% of GDP to climate change, World Bank says: Kenya could lose up to 7.25% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to climate change by 2050, according to a report by the World Bank. The report warns that climate change will have a devastating impact on Kenya’s economy, particularly its agricultural sector.
Each week we’ll be summarising the latest news topics from the sustainability world, so stay tuned!