Global Climate News

Taiwan-based 瑞儀光電 has invested over 13.3 billion in building R&D centers and cleanroom facilities to develop wafer-level optical components, incorporating AI smart manufacturing to enhance production efficiency. The company is also implementing energy-saving and carbon-reduction measures using green construction materials. This investment, expected to create around 480 jobs, aims to position 瑞儀光電 as a leader in optics solutions for displays, wearables, automotive, robotics, and biomedical applications.

The article discusses the significant growth in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing from 2017 to 2022. This investment approach has gained traction due to the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies and the demand for verified carbon credits, indicating a structural shift in the market. It notes that climate-conscious investors are not only driven by ethical concerns but are also tapping into a changing market landscape where consumers increasingly prefer brands focused on sustainability.

Japan-based Green Carbon株式会社 organized an online seminar on March 6, 2025, focusing on trends in sustainability disclosure standards and the use of carbon credits. The seminar aimed to discuss the ISSB standards, emphasizing the need for companies to respond to climate change and explore the utilization of carbon credits as companies prepare for mandatory regulations starting in 2027. This event will particularly benefit sustainability personnel in large corporations who are involved in ESG disclosures and carbon credit purchases.

The ICM Forum, established in 2021, has released a major report on Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) that outlines the essential actions needed to unlock its full potential. The report emphasizes the need for regulatory simplifications, stronger carbon accounting frameworks under the EU ETS, and long-term policy adjustments to boost investment certainty. It advocates for the integration of CCU into existing policy frameworks and the establishment of financial and market mechanisms to ensure its adoption, demonstrating the collaborative effort required across multiple sectors to achieve climate goals.

India hosted a National Conference on Fast-Tracking and Reporting of Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the State Support Mission (SSM) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The event, organized by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Government of Odisha and UN technical partners, saw participation from senior government officials from 25 States and Union Territories. The conference emphasized SDG localization, financing, and the 2025 Voluntary National Review. NITI Aayog's Vice Chairman and CEO highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches to mobilize sustainable finance and governance.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Legal Bulletin No. 14M to provide guidance on shareholder proposals. This bulletin clarifies the Division’s views on the application of Exchange Act Rule 14a-8, which governs shareholder proposals. The SEC emphasized a case-by-case analysis of shareholder proposals, particularly those raising significant social policy issues, suggesting that they transcend ordinary business matters and warrant shareholder voting.

Spain has witnessed significant progress in 2024 with the issuance of €24 billion in sustainable bonds, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. The strong growth outpaced the global increase of 2%, establishing Spain as a crucial player in the sustainable finance market amid macroeconomic challenges. The sustainable bonds issued were primarily classified as green (75%), social, and hybrid bonds, showcasing Spain's ongoing commitment to ESG objectives.

Spain-based Sidenor participated in the SCALE-UP project, an initiative funded by the Basque Government's HAZITEK program. This project aims to develop innovative methodologies to validate the reliability of large scale wind turbine components without the need for extensive testing facilities. Focused on optimizing induction hardening processes for offshore wind turbine fasteners, Sidenor integrates experimental trials and simulation models to enhance mechanical properties and durability. This effort also aligns with their commitment to reduce carbon emissions in steel production using renewable energies.

The EU's expert group on climate change policy (CCEG) is currently accepting applications from organizations to enhance the aviation formation. The CCEG aims to strengthen discussions and effectively implement the EU ETS Directive for aviation. The selected members will contribute to achieving the EU's target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Additionally, a new support mechanism to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) has been introduced, allocating 20 million allowances worth an estimated €1.6 billion. The first meetings will begin in 2025.

Australia is developing its own sustainable finance taxonomy to incorporate circular economy principles. This initiative aims to align with global better practices and includes clear and well-defined circular economy criteria to qualify projects for sustainable finance. Additionally, the NSW Government launched the Circular Solar grants program, a $10 million initiative to manage solar panel and battery waste, which is projected to increase significantly by 2035. Researchers at UNSW have also pioneered a solar panel recycling method that can separate up to 99% of materials, showcasing Australia's commitment to enhancing recycling capabilities in the renewable sector.

Australia is in the process of developing its own sustainable finance taxonomy, which represents a critical opportunity to align with global best practices. The NSW Government launched the Circular Solar grants program, a $10 million initiative designed to manage the anticipated increase in solar panel and battery waste. Projections indicate that NSW will generate between 3,000 to 10,000 tonnes of such waste annually by 2025, escalating to 40,000 to 71,000 tonnes by 2035. This program supports collaborative projects that trial end-of-life solutions for solar panels and battery systems within a circular economy framework.

Belgium-based ICM Forum released a report detailing key policy recommendations to enhance the deployment of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies in Europe. The report highlights the need to address regulatory barriers, enhance financial incentives, and support the adoption of CCU technologies. It suggests simplifying regulations, establishing a supportive carbon accounting framework under the EU ETS, and adjusting sunset clauses for long-term investment certainty. The report also advocates for a minimum percentage of circular carbon in products and the development of a robust financing ecosystem.

Finland-based Wärtsilä Corporation has reinforced its commitment to decarbonisation by setting a new target of reducing 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from direct suppliers by 2030. This target will focus on Tier 1 suppliers and includes Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions related to their deliveries. The baseline for this target will be established using data collected from suppliers in 2024. The company is already on track to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2024, having decreased emissions by 50% compared to the 2021 baseline. Wärtsilä continues to innovate sustainable technologies and has launched several zero-carbon fuel solutions for the marine and energy sectors.

Italy-based Textile ETP Secretary General Lutz Walter participated in the event "Navigating Change - ESG Roadmaps to Circular Fashion" organized by the Monitor for Circular Fashion of SDA Bocconi. The event focused on presentations around circularity in the fashion industry, highlighting the importance of digital technologies in supporting sustainable practices by making proposals for higher levels of the waste hierarchy. Lutz emphasized the need for regulatory interventions to assist local repair and recycling operations against lower-cost virgin materials. He also called for a collaborative effort in developing common standards for data in the fashion supply chain to enhance traceability.

Finland-based Wärtsilä Corporation published its Annual Report for 2024, which includes a Sustainability Statement prepared according to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The report highlights the company's commitment to climate action and sustainable technology solutions in the marine and energy sectors. In 2024, Wärtsilä reported net sales totaling EUR 6.4 billion, emphasizing its role in the decarbonization transformation across industries globally. The report was audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy, providing assurance in alignment with ISAE 3000 standards.

The US government signed three executive orders on January 20, 2025, focusing on climate and energy policies. These orders aim to strengthen energy security and economic competitiveness by accelerating fossil fuel production and infrastructure expansion. Despite federal rollbacks, states like California continue to enforce strict climate regulations. The orders also involve the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and cessation of federal climate finance contributions, prompting corporations to potentially increase their role in climate funding. Microsoft, for instance, remains committed to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2025.

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has published a comprehensive guide on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, focusing on opportunities for the private sector in carbon markets. The guide highlights the operationalisation of Article 6 carbon trading mechanisms at COP29, emphasizing the role of private sector entities in developing and operating carbon projects. Norway, Singapore, and Switzerland are preparing to engage in cooperative approaches, with Norway investing over USD 740 million in ITMOs from Zambia, Benin, Senegal, and Jordan. The guide also details the processes for undertaking carbon projects under Article 6.2 and 6.4, including the need for Host Country authorisation and the development of PACM methodologies.

China-based researchers analyzed seventy drinking water samples collected from tap water, water boiling machines, and water vending machines in Shanghai for seven target organotin compounds (OTCs). They found that the summed concentrations of target OTCs (ΣOTCs) reached up to 129 ng Sn/L, with significant levels varying among drinking water types and source zones. The research identified materials used in pipes and emissions from maritime, agricultural, and industrial activities as the main pollution sources, supporting the need for informed policy and urban planning to maintain drinking water quality in rapidly urbanizing regions.

The UNEP FI has launched two collaborations to accelerate the adoption of nature-related financial disclosures. The first partnership is with the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative, focusing on capacity building among stock exchanges. The second collaboration involves the Principles for Responsible Investment and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, preparing banks, insurers, and investors for disclosures aligned with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. These efforts aim to bridge the biodiversity financing gap, targeting $20 billion annually by 2025 and $30 billion by 2030.

The updated report co-authored by UNEP-WCMC and UNEP FI expands its scope to include pollution-related financial risks, which are recognized as major financial and economic risks. It examines how pollution impacts ecosystems, economies, and financial stability, highlighting that pollution now drives economic and financial risks, particularly in sectors like chemicals, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. Financial institutions are urged to align with global frameworks as reporting requirements shift from voluntary to mandatory.