Here’s a brand new update in our Sustainability in the News updates, on critical developments in science, climate policy, and research integrity related to sustainability from the past week, plus some other news from earlier that was not covered in last week’s update.
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 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.
- 1 Latest Developments in Sustainability
- 1.1 Overuse of Pesticides Drives Resistance in Pests
- 1.2 Pacific Islands Face Groundwater Crisis
- 1.3 Industrial Waste Gases Repurposed into Products
- 1.4 Three-Year Crop Rotation Boosts Soil Health
- 1.5 Critique of Media’s Approach to Plastic Pollution
- 1.6 Australian Federal Budget Emphasizes Sustainability
- 1.7 Fashion Industry’s Sustainability Leaders Identified
- 1.8 Ethos Challenges UBS on Executive Pay and ESG Strategy
- 1.9 Economic Blackout Protest Targets Corporate Sustainability Failures
- 1.10 Oil Executives Push Back on Tariff Policy
- 1.11 Soil Blocking Gains Traction Among Gardeners
- 1.12 Global Finance Fuels Deforestation, UN Says
- 1.13 England to Plant 20 Million Trees for New Forest
- 1.14 Supermarkets Fail to Address Methane Emissions
- 1.15 U.S. Grass-Fed Beef More Carbon-Intensive
- 1.16 Akastor ASA Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
- 1.17 China Unveils Aluminum Industry Sustainability Plan
- 1.18 Supreme Court Shuts Down Youth Climate Lawsuit
- 1.19 U.S. Intelligence Omits Climate as Security Threat
- 1.20 Trump EPA to Repeal Clean Air and Water Rules
- 1.21 EU Advances Circular Economy Initiatives
- 2 Previous News Flashes
Latest Developments in Sustainability
Overuse of Pesticides Drives Resistance in Pests
On March 19, 2025, researchers reported that excessive use of chemical pesticides has led to resistance in pests like the two-spotted spider mite, identifying new elicitor proteins (Tet3 and Tet4) as potential sustainable alternatives.
Pacific Islands Face Groundwater Crisis
On March 19, 2025, hydrology experts urged immediate investigations into groundwater access on Pacific islands like Kiribati, where rising sea levels threaten fresh water supplies.
Industrial Waste Gases Repurposed into Products
On March 19, 2025, a study revealed that industrial waste gases could be captured and converted into household items like shampoo and fuels, offering a sustainable solution to cut emissions.
Three-Year Crop Rotation Boosts Soil Health
On March 19, 2025, a nine-year study demonstrated that a three-year crop rotation (corn, cereal rye, soybean, winter wheat) reduces soil nitrate losses while maintaining yields. This finding provides a practical approach to sustainable agriculture.
Critique of Media’s Approach to Plastic Pollution
On March 24, 2025, Samuel Bruce from Mitaka City, Tokyo, criticized major media outlets for contradicting themselves – raising alarms about microplastics while promoting heavily packaged products. His commentary reflected a broader issue with consumerism and the media’s lack of accountability.
Australian Federal Budget Emphasizes Sustainability
On March 25, 2025, Australia’s federal budget set aside $250 million for land and water protection. Treasurer Jim Chalmers also addressed economic resilience amid global uncertainty, including rising tariffs and energy instability.
Fashion Industry’s Sustainability Leaders Identified
On March 26, 2025, Vogue Business released its H1 2025 Index, naming Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Stella McCartney as front-runners in ESG practices. However, many brands still lack measurable goals, reinforcing that sustainability claims need substance, not slogans.
Ethos Challenges UBS on Executive Pay and ESG Strategy
On March 27, 2025, proxy advisory firm Ethos advised shareholders to reject UBS’s executive compensation package, share buybacks, and sustainability report. It called out high bonuses, weak climate and diversity targets, and urged the bank to build capital instead.
Economic Blackout Protest Targets Corporate Sustainability Failures
On March 28, 2025, The People’s Union USA organized a nationwide “Economic Blackout”, urging consumers to spend nothing for 24 hours. The protest spotlighted corporate price gouging, labor abuse, and environmental damage – pushing for reform through economic disruption.
Oil Executives Push Back on Tariff Policy
Also on March 28, 2025, U.S. oil executives criticized new tariff proposals for destabilizing the sector. A Dallas Fed survey revealed the contradiction of encouraging drilling while imposing costly trade barriers. Steel tariffs were especially problematic for energy infrastructure.
Soil Blocking Gains Traction Among Gardeners
On March 26, 2025, NPR reported that soil blocking, an eco-friendly method for preparing seedlings, is gaining popularity among gardeners aiming for sustainable growing practices. This technique reduces waste and enhances plant health.
Global Finance Fuels Deforestation, UN Says
On March 26, 2025, a UN report accused global financial systems of actively supporting deforestation.
England to Plant 20 Million Trees for New Forest
On March 26, 2025, plans were announced to plant 20 million trees to create a new national forest in England. This initiative aims to enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
Supermarkets Fail to Address Methane Emissions
On March 26, 2025, a report warned that supermarkets are not adequately tackling methane emissions in their supply chains. This gap poses a significant hurdle to sustainable food systems.
U.S. Grass-Fed Beef More Carbon-Intensive
On March 26, 2025, research revealed that U.S. grass-fed beef produces higher carbon emissions than industrial beef. This finding challenges assumptions about sustainable meat production.
Akastor ASA Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
On March 28, 2025, Akastor ASA published its 2024 Annual Report and Sustainability Report, detailing its environmental and governance efforts. The reports emphasize the company’s commitment to sustainable practices in its operations.
China Unveils Aluminum Industry Sustainability Plan
On March 28, 2025, China announced a plan to enhance the sustainability of its aluminum industry by 2027. This initiative aims to reduce environmental impact in a key industrial sector.
Supreme Court Shuts Down Youth Climate Lawsuit
On March 28, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a historic youth climate lawsuit. This decision limits legal avenues for enforcing sustainability through the courts.
U.S. Intelligence Omits Climate as Security Threat
On March 28, 2025, U.S. intelligence agencies excluded climate change from national security threat assessments. This shift could impact sustainability policy prioritization.
Trump EPA to Repeal Clean Air and Water Rules
On March 28, 2025 it was reported that the Trump administration’s EPA plans to repeal clean air and water regulations projected to save 200,000 lives. This move threatens sustainability gains in
public health and environmental protection.
EU Advances Circular Economy Initiatives
On March 28, 2025, it was reported that the European Union is progressing with new circular economy advancements. These efforts focus on sustainable resource use and waste reduction across member states.
Previous News Flashes
