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.
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 Bank Climate Coalition’s Rule Overhaul
- 1.2 Marriott’s Sustainable Culinary Practices
- 1.3 Fashion Industry’s Sustainability Amid Tariffs
- 1.4 Pesticide Resistance and New Solutions
- 1.5 Water Management in Vulnerable Regions
- 1.6 Innovative Emissions Reduction
- 1.7 Sustainable Farming Practices
- 1.8 Coventry’s Energy Innovation Initiatives
- 1.9 Malmö’s Climate-Smart Urban Development
- 1.10 Amazon’s Global Water Conservation Initiatives
- 1.11 BWX Technologies Releases 2025 Sustainability Report
- 1.12 Legal Challenge Against Federal Funding Freeze
- 1.13 Hitachi Unveils New Brand Design for Sustainable Growth
- 1.14 Innovations in Sustainable Design
- 1.15 UBS Delays Climate Targets Following Credit Suisse Acquisition
- 1.16 Corporate Shift Away from Climate Goals in Executive Compensation
- 1.17 EU’s Regulatory Reforms Insufficient for Large Businesses
- 1.18 Woolworths’ Sustainable Bag Initiative Receives Mixed Reactions
- 1.19 Olympians Urge IOC to Prioritize Climate Action
- 2 Previous News Flashes
Latest Developments in Sustainability
Bank Climate Coalition’s Rule Overhaul
The chief climate coalition for the banking sector considered amendments to its regulations in response to recent events, such as significant banks’ withdrawals and insufficient climate action in the real economy. Shargiil Bashir, the chair and Chief Sustainability Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, mentioned that the decision to propose changes was communicated to members following developments in science, policy, and regulation. Specific details of these proposals were not disclosed, but a source indicated they might include removing the requirement to align lending with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Marriott’s Sustainable Culinary Practices
Marriott’s The Luxury Collection partnered with René Redzepi’s MAD Academy to promote sustainability in their hotel kitchens worldwide. In November, 15 chefs from TLC properties across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States attended a summit in Copenhagen organized by the MAD Academy. The event included guest speakers, breakout sessions, and shared meals designed to empower chefs to reduce environmental impacts at their respective properties. The retreat encouraged chefs to prioritize local sourcing, boosting biodiversity and introducing new flavors.
Fashion Industry’s Sustainability Amid Tariffs
On March 17, 2025, rising tariffs and trade tensions complicated sustainability efforts in the fashion industry. With US President Trump’s political use of tariffs against countries like China, Mexico, Canada, and the EU, fashion companies face significant operational and financial unpredictability. This volatility complicates long-term investments in sustainable practices, potentially providing cover for brands to retreat from environmental and social commitments. Experts warn that ignoring sustainability now could harm supply chain workers and damage reputation, urging a steadfast focus on decarbonization and equitable labor practices.
Pesticide Resistance and New Solutions
On March 18, 2025, researchers reported that overuse of chemical pesticides has led to resistance in pests like the two-spotted spider mite, discovering new proteins that could offer sustainable pest control methods.
Water Management in Vulnerable Regions
Also on March 18, 2025, experts called for urgent investigations into groundwater access on Pacific islands like Kiribati, where rising sea levels threaten water supplies.
Innovative Emissions Reduction
On March 18, 2025, a report detailed how industrial waste gases could be captured and turned into everyday products like shampoo, offering a novel way to reduce emissions.
Sustainable Farming Practices
Another story from March 18, 2025, showed that a three-year crop rotation reduces soil nitrate losses while maintaining yields, providing a model for sustainable agriculture.
Coventry’s Energy Innovation Initiatives
On March 18, 2025, Coventry unveiled a 15-year strategic energy partnership with E.ON. This collaboration includes thermal drone surveys to identify home insulation issues, installation of electric vehicle chargers, and a transition to an all-electric bus system by 2025. Efforts also focus on enhancing energy efficiency in low-income homes, piloting free battery installations, and implementing green energy upgrades for community buildings and schools. The partnership aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, create green jobs, and foster economic growth by retraining and employing apprentices.
Malmö’s Climate-Smart Urban Development
Also on March 18, 2025, Malmö’s Hyllie district was highlighted as a leading example of climate-smart urban development. Designed as a sustainable residential and commercial area, Hyllie is expected to house 25,000 residents by 2040. The district’s energy system is powered entirely by renewable and recycled sources, such as solar, wind, biogas, and excess industrial heat. To address the variability in renewable energy supply, E.ON developed the digital platform ectocloud and the flexible heating and cooling system ectogrid, optimizing and redistributing energy.
Amazon’s Global Water Conservation Initiatives
On March 19, 2025, Amazon announced its commitment to addressing global water scarcity by reducing its water footprint and investing in innovative solutions. The company emphasized the importance of World Water Day on March 22 as an opportunity to highlight these efforts.
BWX Technologies Releases 2025 Sustainability Report
Also on March 19, 2025, BWX Technologies, Inc. published its 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing the company’s initiatives and progress in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance practices.
Legal Challenge Against Federal Funding Freeze
On March 19, 2025, nonprofit organizations and cities across the United States filed a lawsuit to contest the Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding for programs addressing energy-efficient housing, air pollution monitoring, and food access. The plaintiffs argue that the funding freeze disrupts critical projects aimed at mitigating environmental and health challenges in vulnerable communities.
Hitachi Unveils New Brand Design for Sustainable Growth
On March 19, 2025, Hitachi launched a new brand design to promote sustainable global development. This initiative is part of the company’s dedication to integrating sustainability into its corporate identity and operations.
Innovations in Sustainable Design
On March 16, 2025, The Guardian reported on emerging designers pioneering sustainable practices. Notable innovations include 3D-printed architecture using recycled materials and furniture crafted from agave fibers.
UBS Delays Climate Targets Following Credit Suisse Acquisition
UBS announced a postponement of its net-zero greenhouse emissions goal from 2025 to 2035, attributing the delay to complexities arising from its acquisition of Credit Suisse. This decision aligns with similar moves by other banks adjusting their decarbonization timelines.
Corporate Shift Away from Climate Goals in Executive Compensation
On March 21, 2025, reports indicated that major corporations are increasingly removing climate-related objectives from executive pay plans. Companies such as UBS, Standard Chartered, and HSBC have adjusted their compensation structures, citing shareholder feedback and rising costs as influencing factors.
EU’s Regulatory Reforms Insufficient for Large Businesses
On March 21, 2025, the European Union introduced the ‘Simplification Omnibus’ aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles. However, large corporations expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the reforms primarily benefit smaller firms and do little to alleviate the compliance burdens faced by larger entities.
Woolworths’ Sustainable Bag Initiative Receives Mixed Reactions
Woolworths partnered with designer Anya Hindmarch to release “The Universal Bag,” a durable, reusable shopping bag made from recycled materials and priced at $20. The initiative sparked diverse consumer opinions, with some praising its eco-friendly design and others criticizing its cost and the choice of an international designer over a local one.
Olympians Urge IOC to Prioritize Climate Action
On March 14, 2025, over 400 Olympians from nearly 90 countries signed an open letter to International Olympic Committee presidential candidates, emphasizing the need to address climate change. The athletes called for strengthened carbon emission commitments and sustainable practices within the sporting community.
Previous News Flashes
