Sustainability in the News (March 1 – 8, 2025)

Beginning this week, we are introducing a new weekly feature: concise yet informative news telex updates to keep you up to speed on critical developments in science, climate policy, and research integrity related to sustainability.

These updates will 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 of sustainability. 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 an 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 sustainability.

Latest Developments in Sustainability

U.S. Rejects U.N. Sustainability Goals

On March 7, 2025, a Trump administration representative announced before the United Nations General Assembly the rejection of the U.N.’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda included 17 goals like ending poverty and tackling climate change, marking a shift in U.S. policy away from global sustainability commitments.

Crocs’ Circular Economy Push

On March 7, 2025, Crocs, Inc. showcased its “Keep It Going Classic Clog,” made with 25% recycled content, alongside a retail take-back program started in 2023. It’s yet another example of the broader corporate trend toward circularity – reusing materials to reduce waste.

China’s Renewable Energy Expansion

Reported on March 5, 2025, China unveiled plans for major renewable energy projects to address climate change. China continues to reinforce its role as a leader in clean energy deployment and wants to become a model for cost-effective green solutions globally.

Western University’s Sustainability Gold

On March 6, 2025, Western University in Canada earned a gold STARS rating for sustainability under stricter standards, scoring highest yet. This comes after ranking in the top 2% globally for sustainability in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

Aave’s Economic Sustainability Move

On March 5, 2025, Aave, a decentralized finance platform, proposed a $1 million weekly buyback program to bolster its ecosystem’s economic sustainability, showing how the term extends beyond environmental contexts into tech finance.

Martinrea’s 2024 Sustainability Report

Released on March 6, 2025, Martinrea International Inc., an automotive supplier, published its 2024 Sustainability Report, showings its renewable energy efforts like onsite solar panels to lower its carbon footprint.

Seychelles’ Green Policies

Seychelles has new policies on electric mobility, waste reduction, and circular economy, supported by the U.N. Environment Programme, positioning the small nation as a sustainability leader in Africa.

Ghana’s Carbon Credit Framework

Ghana has established frameworks for international carbon credit trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, advancing its role in global carbon markets.

India’s National Carbon Market

India is gearing up to launch a national carbon market by 2026, signaling a major step toward structured emissions trading in one of the world’s largest economies.

Welsh Stadiums Go Plastic-Free

Welsh stadiums are switching to sustainable packaging, avoiding 1.4 tonnes of plastic waste annually, using practical, local-level sustainability efforts.

Japan’s Ambitious Emissions Targets

Japan has increased its emissions reduction goals to 60% by 2035 and 73% by 2040, up from a previous 2030 target of 46%. This move signals a stronger commitment to combating climate change through policy.

China’s Wind Turbine Export Surge

China’s exports of wind turbines rose by 70% in 2024, reflecting the country’s growing dominance in renewable energy manufacturing.

Brazil’s Deforestation Milestone

Brazil has achieved its lowest deforestation rate in the Amazon rainforest in a decade during 2024. This marks a significant win for biodiversity preservation and climate action in one of the world’s most critical ecosystems.

U.S. Border Sees Decline in Illicit Activity

CBS News reported a steep decline in the illicit movement of people and drugs across a rugged stretch of the U.S. southern border in recent weeks. While not directly a sustainability story, this shift could reduce the environmental strain caused by trafficking routes, which often damage ecosystems.

State Department Halts Air Quality Data Sharing

The U.S. State Department has directed embassies and consulates to stop publishing air quality monitoring data, surprising staff. This move could hinder global efforts to track and address air pollution, a key sustainability issue.

Panama Grants Temporary Permits to Migrants

Reuters reported that Panama will grant temporary permits to some migrants sent from the U.S., with over 100 asylum seekers currently uncertain of their future. Migration policies like this intersect with sustainability, as mass movements often strain resources and ecosystems in transit countries.

WHO Resumes Leprosy Drug Shipments to Nigeria

On March 8, 2025, Reuters reported that the World Health Organization will send leprosy drugs to Nigeria this weekend, resolving a year-long delay due to testing issues. This ensures thousands of patients, including children, receive treatment to prevent disability.