Sustainability in the News (April 19 – 27, 2025)

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.

Latest Developments in Sustainability

EU Commission Faces Complaint Over Weakened Sustainability Rules

On April 18, 2025, climate and human rights organizations filed a complaint with the European Ombudsman, accusing the European Commission of weakening sustainability laws without consulting citizens or conducting impact assessments. Activists argue that deregulation threatens environmental protections hard-won over the past decade, especially concerning corporate accountability.

Mondelēz International Reports Sustainability Progress

On April 18, 2025, Mondelēz International published its “2024 Snacking Made Right Report,” highlighting improvements in responsible sourcing, emissions reduction, and waste management across brands like Oreo and Cadbury. The company emphasized increasing the share of sustainably sourced ingredients and reducing water usage across its supply chain.

Ghana Explores Bioethanol for Clean Cooking

On April 19, 2025, Ghana’s Ministry of Energy launched an initiative to promote bioethanol derived from cassava as a clean alternative to wood and charcoal stoves. The plan addresses health risks from indoor air pollution while supporting rural economies and cutting carbon emissions.

Goldman Environmental Prize Honors Global Activists

On April 21, 2025, the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize honored seven activists, including leaders from Mongolia, Peru, and the Canary Islands, for their local environmental protection efforts. Awarded projects tackled issues from illegal mining to marine biodiversity conservation.

Michigan Observes Dark Sky Week to Combat Light Pollution

Between April 21 and 27, 2025, Michigan hosted stargazing events, workshops, and educational campaigns across its Dark Sky Parks to highlight the negative effects of artificial lighting on ecosystems and human health.

Earth Day Protests Erupt Across the United States

On April 22, 2025, tens of thousands of Americans protested nationwide, opposing the Trump administration’s aggressive rollback of climate and environmental protections. Demonstrators demanded rejoining the Paris Agreement, restoring EPA budgets, and advancing renewable energy adoption.

Elon University Unveils Sustainability Master Plan

On April 22, 2025, Elon University released a roadmap to reach carbon neutrality by 2037. The strategy includes energy-efficient campus upgrades, expanded composting, improved EV infrastructure, and a new sustainability curriculum.

Jones Road Fire in New Jersey Forces Mass Evacuations

On April 22, 2025, a wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, driven by dry conditions, forced the evacuation of over 5,000 people. Authorities traced the blaze to an improperly extinguished bonfire. The fire burned 15,300 acres before being partially contained.

Muskegon River Watershed Assembly Hosts Community Events

Also on April 22, 2025, Michigan’s Muskegon River Watershed Assembly engaged locals in environmental stewardship programs focusing on riverbank restoration, water testing, and pollution prevention.

Trump’s EPA Ends Environmental Justice Programs

On April 23, 2025, the EPA, under the Trump administration, terminated programs aimed at mitigating environmental racism. Analysts warned that poor and minority communities could now face greater exposure to industrial pollution without federal safeguards.

Global Coral Bleaching Event Affects 84% of Reefs

Also on April 23, 2025, NOAA and global scientists reported mass coral bleaching across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, driven by rising ocean temperatures and El Niño conditions. This threatens marine ecosystems and coastal economies.

India’s Delhi Plans to Curb Gasoline Vehicle Sales

On April 24, 2025, Delhi announced an ambitious plan to ban high-emission motorcycles and restrict gasoline car sales, targeting a shift toward EVs and public transport expansion to fight air pollution.

Greece Deploys Record Firefighters Amid Global Warming

Also on April 24, 2025, Greece increased its firefighting workforce to the highest levels ever recorded to confront a projected extreme wildfire season worsened by prolonged heat and drought conditions.

Blue Chip-Backed Biomas Launches Brazil Reforestation

On April 25, 2025, Biomas, a consortium of major corporations, launched a large-scale reforestation project in Brazil’s degraded areas, aiming to restore biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration across the Cerrado and Amazon biomes.

China’s Wind and Solar Capacity Surpasses Thermal Power

Also on April 25, 2025, China’s National Energy Administration announced that for the first time, the nation’s installed solar and wind capacity exceeded its coal and gas capacity—marking a major energy transition milestone.

IMF Prioritizes Climate Risk Support for Countries

On April 25, 2025, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva pledged that the Fund would focus more on climate-related financial risks, offering tools and advice to vulnerable nations to boost resilience.

Earth Action Expo Engages Community in Sustainability

On April 26, 2025, Midland, Michigan hosted the Earth Action Expo, where over 70 exhibitors showcased sustainable products, conservation initiatives, and educational activities.

Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup Collects Tons of Trash

Also on April 26, 2025, volunteers cleaned over 80 sites along the Anacostia River (U.S.), removing debris ranging from plastics to tires, helping to restore urban river ecosystems.

United Kingdom Records Highest Wildfire Activity

On April 26, 2025, Britain’s wildfire monitoring services reported the worst fire season since 2012, with fires sweeping across national parks and farmlands amid unusually hot and dry conditions.

Renting Clothes for Sustainable Fashion Faces Challenges

Also on April 26, 2025, a ScienceDaily report concluded that although clothing rental reduces emissions, scaling up sustainable rental models remains difficult due to logistics, costs, and consumer habits.

Human Urine Proposed as Sustainable Fertilizer

On April 26, 2025, researchers published findings showing that human urine can serve as an effective, eco-friendly fertilizer, potentially replacing synthetic fertilizers in urban agriculture.

Korea Battles Multiple Wildfires Amid Dry Conditions

On April 27, 2025, dozens of wildfires broke out across Gangwon Province in South Korea, driven by strong winds and dry air, leading to mass evacuations and firefighting challenges.

Scotland Issues Water Scarcity Alerts

Also on April 27, 2025, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued early-season water scarcity warnings for several regions, advising farmers and businesses to prepare for possible restrictions.

Previous News Flashes


I have a background in environmental science and journalism. For WINSS I write articles on climate change, circular economy, and green innovations. When I am not writing, I enjoy hiking in the Black Forest and experimenting with plant-based recipes.