Governments continue to increase focus on the potential for green growth, as the UK launches a £960 million investment programme. Meanwhile, insurance is going to play a central role in the effective transition to a nature-positive net zero economy, as no projects (and no fossil fuel exploitation) will occur without the appropriate insurance. The EU is currently under fire for failing to make transition plans mandatory for insurers under forthcoming Solvency II regulations, while Lloyds has taken a step forward with the launch of a consultation on the transition.
A coalition of sustainable investors and asset managers have published a joint statement asking the European Commission to reconsider proposed changes to the EU sustainability reporting rules.
Just as companies are getting to grips with climate reporting, momentum for biodiversity disclosures has been building up globally. SG Voice has compiled a list of regulations and frameworks designed for businesses of all types.
As demand for nature and biodiversity data increase, Clarity AI and impact intelligence provider GIST Impact have partnered to enable companies to identify and measure their exposure to companies that have a negative impact on biodiversity.
The three European Supervisory Authorities have launched a public consultation on their proposed amendments to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).
Voluntary carbon markets were at the centre of discussions last week, with the release of the IC-VCM's new core carbon principles. This kept our story on Verra and the credibility crisis in the carbon markets top of mind. Yet the most read story last week was Sublime System's January fundraise.
It's been a momentous week for climate action, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its 2023 report, highlighting that there is "a rapidly-closing window of opportunity" to ensure a liveable future for all. It came days before world leaders gathered in New York for the UN 2023 Water Conference.
This week nature dominated the headlines, with a focus on the private sector's role in preventing biodiversity loss and how Nature-based Solutions can be used to rebuild after war, alongside one of the most sustainable materials: wood.
Readers showed a lot of interest in new materials this week, with pieces exploring biobased materials, the role of wood in construction and Sublime Systems' low carbon concrete all feature, while interest stayed in the role of green ammonia and the difficulties with greenwash.
