Global Climate News

Robeco, a Dutch asset manager, has expanded its engagement in climate and nature, focusing on natural resource management, deforestation (expanding from palm oil to soy, beef, leather, paper and pulp), biodiversity, and human capital management. They are also initiating new themes on transition minerals (supply chains in electric vehicle batteries) and protecting shareholder rights from weakening regulations.

Finland-based Nordea Bank has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Green Bond Principles (GBP) and Social Bond Principles (SBP). Since 2014, Nordea has helped issue more than 280 sustainable bonds totaling over USD 17 billion. The bank is also a founding member of the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking and participated in the European Commission’s Technical Expert Group on Sustainable Finance.

Danish startup EIVEE, providing carbon accounting solutions, attended Nordea’s investor speed dating. They help companies reduce their carbon footprint by calculating scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. EIVEE had eight meetings with investors and received positive feedback.

Global biodiversity loss is at an unprecedented rate, with up to one million species at risk of extinction. More than 50% of global GDP depends on natural resources. The World Economic Forum estimates business opportunities in sustainable resource use to be worth up to USD 10 trillion annually by 2030. Nordea launched a biodiversity fund investing in sustainable resource use and biodiversity restoration.

The Environment Agency in England issued an environmental permit (EPR/BQ1972IR/V007) to Young’s Seafood Limited for their Humberstone Road Fish Processing facility in Grimsby under the Industrial Emissions Directive.

The Norwegian company Farmforce has developed a software solution to trace agricultural goods, helping its 70 customers meet sustainability targets by tracing crops of 1.1 million small farmers across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Farmforce, with financial support from Nordea, focuses on documenting the absence of child labor and deforestation in production. The company aims to improve farmers' living standards and empower them in the international market. The EU's deforestation-free regulation further emphasizes the importance of Farmforce’s work.

The article discusses the growth of ESG data services and ratings in financial markets, driven by the European Commission’s Action Plan on Sustainable Finance. It highlights the increasing investment in ESG data services, the need for harmonization of concepts and methodologies, and the importance of improving data availability and quality. The article also points out inherent biases in ESG ratings and suggests best practices for corporations in working with ESG ratings and data.

The European Commission announced that the 2025 EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) will focus on "Powering a fair and competitive green transition." The event, scheduled for June 10-12, 2025, will address key energy priorities, including increasing investments in clean energy and technologies. Calls for policy session proposals and EUSEW Awards nominations are open.

UK-based Cellcycle, part of The SER Group, developed a new direct recycling process for lithium-ion batteries using green solvents. This process recovers over 95% of cathode active material at temperatures below 80 degrees, reducing carbon emissions and eliminating the need for hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy. Cellcycle also partnered with CL Refurbishments Ltd for a recycling solution for lithium thionyl chloride batteries.

Swedish LKAB, Boliden, and Vattenfall were mentioned in the context of discussions around corporate governance, sustainability, and long-term investments. The article highlights how these companies approach sustainability and emission reduction goals, particularly in mining and energy sectors. No specific actions or targets are announced.

The Nordic sustainable bond market saw a record-breaking year in 2023, exceeding USD 60 billion in issuance, a 16% increase from 2022. This growth outpaced the global market, and three out of four quarters saw record issuance levels. The sustainable share of the total Nordic bond market reached 13% in 2023, up from 9% in 2021 and 11% in 2022. Denmark showed particularly strong growth, with sustainable bonds representing 21% of its yearly bond volume in 2023.

Paptic, a company focused on sustainable packaging, has developed a recyclable and reusable material made from renewable wood fibers as an alternative to plastic packaging for hygiene products. This addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the hygiene sector and aligns with the European Union’s circular economy goals. The material combines the benefits of paper, plastic, and textiles.

Dr Christine Chow, PhD, CEO of Tracker Group, has 25+ years of experience in investment management, research & consulting, focusing on technology, governance, and sustainability. She's a board member of the ICGN, an honorary advisor to the AFRC Hong Kong, and holds various academic positions. Her work significantly contributes to sustainable finance and responsible investment.

The Tracker Group, home to Carbon Tracker and Planet Tracker, appointed Christine Chow as its inaugural CEO. Chow has 27 years of finance experience and a focus on sustainable and impact investing. The appointment aims to accelerate the group's work in transforming global financial activities to achieve a net-zero and nature-positive future.

The International Capital Market Association (ICMA), Climate Bonds Initiative, and the EU have provided guidance on transition finance to achieve climate goals set in the Paris Agreement. The guidance includes handbooks and reports on transition finance pathways, use of proceeds instruments, and aligning with Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles. The EU report clarifies how companies can disclose compliance with the EU Green Bond Standard. The Climate Bonds Initiative offers a labelling framework for credible transitions.

The year 2024 was the warmest year on record, with global temperatures surpassing 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. This led to a re-evaluation of global climate strategies, although current commitments are still insufficient. Citi and Bank of America left the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, and BlackRock left the Net-Zero Asset Managers alliance. The Mediterranean region experienced severe climate extremes, including record-breaking heatwaves and devastating floods.

Global bio-based polymer capacity is projected to grow 13% CAGR (2024-2029), driven by investments in China, Europe, the Middle East, and the US. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is creating demand for industrial compostable plastics. Companies like NatureWorks, Futerro, and Emirates Biotech are expanding PLA production capacities. The European Union’s Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR) is creating demand for soil-biodegradable products.

Nordea, the largest financial services group in the Nordic region, launched a SEK/NOK 4.1 billion sustainability-linked bond. The bond finances sustainability-linked loans aligned with the Sustainability-linked Bond Principles, contributing to climate change mitigation through reduced greenhouse gas emissions or energy consumption. The bond's performance is reviewed annually by ISS ESG and a Nordea committee. Several Nordic investors, including Storebrand Asset Management and AMF, participated in the bond issuance.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, has implemented eco-friendly practices in its steel production to minimize its carbon footprint and reduce waste generation. The company invests heavily in developing innovative steel-making technologies.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, produces specialized steel alloys with unmatched strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The company adheres to strict environmental standards in its manufacturing processes, prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility.