Here’s a brand new update in our Sustainability in the News updates, on critical developments in science, climate policy, and research integrity from the past week.
These updates serve as a quick-read supplement to our in-depth articles, ensuring you stay informed about the latest breakthroughs, policy shifts, and discussions around the future. While our longer articles provide comprehensive analysis and context, these telex updates will focus on key headlines, emerging trends, and essential insights – delivered in a clear and easily digestible format.
Whether it’s a groundbreaking study, a pivotal climate agreement, or an integrity issue in research, we’ll bring you the most relevant updates every week.
So here are the latest news items that passed by related to current events.
- 1 Latest Developments in Sustainability
- 1.0.1 China No Longer Welcome in UK Steel Sector
- 1.0.2 Spain’s Lanzarote Island Hit by Flooding
- 1.0.3 Columbia University to Hold Global Sustainability Summit
- 1.0.4 Microsoft Signs Carbon Removal Deal with AtmosClear
- 1.0.5 Banks Loosen Climate Coalition Membership Rules
- 1.0.6 LyondellBasell Highlights Sustainability Progress in 2024 Report
- 1.0.7 EU Eases Deforestation Law Reporting for Companies
- 1.0.8 Incap Corporation Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report
- 1.0.9 EU Council Releases Draft on Sustainability Reporting Reduction
- 1.0.10 EU Faces Complaint Over Weakened Sustainability Rules
- 1.0.11 UK National Parks Warn of ‘Catastrophic’ Wildfire Risks
- 1.0.12 UK Wildfires Expose ‘Postcode Lottery’ in Firefighting Resources
- 1.0.13 Jason Knauf Appointed CEO of Earthshot Prize
- 1.0.14 Climate Change Framed as a Crisis of Justice
- 1.0.15 Mondelēz International Reports Sustainability Progress
- 2 Previous News Flashes
Latest Developments in Sustainability
China No Longer Welcome in UK Steel Sector
On April 13, 2025, UK Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds announced that China is no longer welcome in Britain’s steel sector. This decision follows emergency legislation to take control of British Steel from Chinese-owned Jingye Group, aiming to protect domestic industries and reduce reliance on high-carbon imports.
Spain’s Lanzarote Island Hit by Flooding
Also on April 13, 2025, torrential rainfall caused severe flooding on Lanzarote, disrupting transport and damaging infrastructure. The event shows growing climate-related risks across Southern Europe.
Columbia University to Hold Global Sustainability Summit
On April 13, 2025, Columbia University hosted the Global Sustainability Summit, gathering experts to discuss environmental challenges and innovation in sustainable development.
Microsoft Signs Carbon Removal Deal with AtmosClear
On April 15, 2025, Microsoft signed a major contract with AtmosClear to support a carbon capture and storage project in Louisiana. The initiative aims to remove 6.75 million metric tons of CO₂ over 15 years, aligning with Microsoft’s goal to become carbon negative by 2030.
Banks Loosen Climate Coalition Membership Rules
Also on April 15, 2025, the Net-Zero Banking Alliance voted to relax its membership rules, allowing more flexibility in meeting environmental commitments. Critics argue this could weaken collective sustainability efforts in the financial sector.
LyondellBasell Highlights Sustainability Progress in 2024 Report
On April 15, 2025, LyondellBasell released its 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing advancements in circular and low-carbon solutions. The report emphasizes reduced carbon emissions, including the shutdown of its Houston refinery in Q1 2025.
EU Eases Deforestation Law Reporting for Companies
On April 15, 2025, the EU modified its anti-deforestation law, easing reporting requirements for companies beginning December 2025. The changes aim to reduce compliance burdens but have sparked concerns among environmentalists about weakened sustainability standards.
Incap Corporation Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report
On April 16, 2025, Incap Corporation released its 2024 Annual and Sustainability Report, detailing its environmental and governance efforts. The report shows the company’s commitment to sustainable operations.
EU Council Releases Draft on Sustainability Reporting Reduction
On April 16, 2025, the EU Council released its draft position on reducing sustainability reporting requirements, following a February proposal by the European Commission. This move, which includes a delay in new reporting until 2028, has sparked debate over balancing business needs with environmental accountability.
EU Faces Complaint Over Weakened Sustainability Rules
On April 17, 2025, climate and human rights campaigners filed a complaint against the European Commission, accusing it of easing sustainability laws without public consultation or impact assessments. The complaint shows concerns about diminished environmental protections.
UK National Parks Warn of ‘Catastrophic’ Wildfire Risks
On April 18, 2025, UK national park authorities issued wildfire alerts due to dry spring conditions, urging the public to avoid outdoor fires and report any incidents immediately.
UK Wildfires Expose ‘Postcode Lottery’ in Firefighting Resources
Also on April 18, 2025, the Fire Brigades Union criticized uneven firefighting coverage across regions, calling for national standards to address wildfire preparedness.
Jason Knauf Appointed CEO of Earthshot Prize
On April 18, 2025, Prince William named Jason Knauf as the new CEO of the Earthshot Prize. Knauf, a former royal aide, will lead the foundation’s environmental innovation strategy.
Climate Change Framed as a Crisis of Justice
Also on April 18, 2025, climate scientist Friederike Otto stated that climate change must be addressed not only as a physics issue, but as a justice crisis linked to inequality and colonial legacies.
Mondelēz International Reports Sustainability Progress
On April 18, 2025, Mondelēz International released its 2024 Snacking Made Right Report, detailing progress toward sustainable and mindful snacking goals. The report emphasizes transparency and environmental responsibility in its global operations.
Previous News Flashes
