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2096 articles · Page 172 of 175
The Green Glass Ceiling: Women are Being Left Out of Sustainable Jobs, Says IMF Report
A recent analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights a significant gender gap in green jobs, with women being underrepresented in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. Despite the rise in employment opportunities within these industries, men hold two-thirds of green jobs globally, leaving women disproportionately stuck in more polluting sectors. A major factor behind this disparity is the lower number of women graduating in STEM fields, which are crucial for green careers. This underrepresentation not only perpetuates the gender gap but also hampers the effectiveness of climate policies, as economies with inclusive workforces are better equipped for a green transition. While green jobs offer higher wages and narrower gender pay gaps, women continue to miss out on these benefits. To close the gap, the report calls for increased STEM education for women and addressing gender biases in recruitment and management.
10 October 2024by Sourav Das
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Anaphite Secures $13.7M to Advance Sustainable EV Battery Manufacturing
UK-based startup Anaphite raised $13.7 million in Series A funding to scale its innovative solution aimed at reducing the cost and carbon footprint of EV battery production. Founded in 2018, Anaphite’s unique dry-process technology eliminates the need for energy-intensive drying ovens, cutting energy use by 90%, manufacturing costs by 40%, and carbon emissions by 30%. The funds will support scaling production, expanding dry coating capabilities, and boosting R&D. Backed by investors such as World Fund and Maniv, Anaphite aims to revolutionize the EV battery supply chain with its sustainable approach.
06 October 2024by Sourav Das
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Asda Links Supplier Financing Rates to Decarbonization and ESG Performance
Asda has launched a new sustainability-linked supply chain finance program in partnership with HSBC UK, incentivizing suppliers to adopt sustainable practices. Starting in 2025, the program will offer more than 250 suppliers enhanced financing rates based on their ESG performance, including data disclosure, target-setting, and decarbonization efforts. Suppliers performing well against key performance indicators (KPIs), assessed by EcoVadis, will benefit from preferential terms. The initiative aligns with Asda's commitment to reducing Scope 3 emissions, which account for 98% of its carbon footprint, while also encouraging transparency and improved ESG practices in its global supply chain.
04 October 2024by Sourav Das
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Watts Water Technologies Among “America’s Greenest Companies 2025"
Watts Water Technologies, Inc., a global leader in plumbing, heating, and water quality solutions, has been named one of America’s Greenest Companies for 2025 by Newsweek. Recognized among the top 300 U.S. companies for environmental sustainability, Watts earned its place through its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and waste generation, while maintaining transparency in its sustainability practices. The rankings were based on over 25 parameters, derived from the strict European Union sustainability standards. Watts has a legacy of over 150 years of innovation aimed at improving water safety and energy efficiency. CEO Robert J. Pagano, Jr. highlighted the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship both within their operations and through customer support, ensuring a positive environmental impact. Watts’ comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives are detailed in their 2023 Sustainability Report, reflecting their continuous efforts to combat climate change and preserve water resources for future generations.
04 October 2024by Sourav Das
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California Enacts Landmark Climate Disclosure Law for Large Companies
On October 1, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new climate disclosure law, requiring large companies operating in the state to report emissions and climate-related financial risks. The law, incorporating SB 253 and SB 261, mandates businesses with over $1 billion in revenue to disclose emissions from all scopes, while those with over $500 million must report on climate-related risks. Despite earlier concerns, the original 2026 start date remains intact. Key amendments include more flexible reporting for Scope 3 emissions and consolidated reporting at the parent company level, solidifying California’s role in advancing corporate climate transparency.
02 October 2024by Sourav Das
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The Rise of Greenhushing: Why Companies Stay Silent on Sustainability
Greenhushing is when companies deliberately withhold information about their sustainability efforts, even if they have achieved carbon neutrality or made significant environmental progress. This trend is driven by fear of legal repercussions, consumer misconceptions about green products, and concerns about public scrutiny or greenwashing accusations. While these companies take meaningful actions toward sustainability, they choose not to advertise them, often to avoid negative perceptions or backlash. Greenhushing is increasing across industries, potentially slowing the spread of environmental solutions and reducing the visibility of corporate climate action.
02 October 2024by Sourav Das
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Morgan Stanley Raises $750 Million for Climate-Focused Private Equity Fund
Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) has closed its 1GT climate solutions private equity fund, raising $750 million. Launched in November 2022, the fund targets decarbonization by supporting companies focused on reducing global carbon emissions. Its goal is to eliminate 1 gigaton of CO2 emissions by 2050, with investments in sectors like mobility, power, agriculture, and the circular economy. 1GT is classified as Article 9 under the EU’s SFDR regulation, and half of the team’s compensation is tied to achieving its emissions reduction target. The fund aims to deliver both financial returns and measurable climate impact.
02 October 2024by Sourav Das
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EU Commission Takes Action Against 17 Member States for Failing to Implement CSRD Rules
The European Commission has initiated infringement procedures against 17 EU member states for not fully transposing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) into their national laws. The CSRD, an update to the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), significantly expands the scope of mandatory sustainability reporting to over 50,000 companies. It introduces stricter reporting requirements on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts and risks. Despite the July 2024 deadline, countries like Germany, Belgium, and Spain have not yet complied. The Commission warned that without transposition, the harmonization of sustainability reporting across the EU would be compromised, affecting investment decisions. Member states have two months to respond before further legal action is taken. Additionally, the Commission has opened infringement cases against 26 states for failing to meet renewable energy permitting provisions, with only Denmark meeting the deadline for compliance.
01 October 2024by Sourav Das
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India's Clean Energy Transition: Navigating Growth and Sustainability
India’s clean energy transition is a delicate balancing act between economic growth and emissions reduction. As the country aims to become a developed nation by 2047, integrated energy planning is crucial to support both growth and sustainability. The energy sector, responsible for almost 75% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions, plays a key role in this journey. India's energy demand is set to double by 2047, with per capita consumption increasing significantly. To meet this demand sustainably, the share of electricity in the energy mix will rise, with a strong focus on renewable energy and reducing energy poverty. However, this cleaner transition introduces concerns over mineral security, as India must diversify its import sources for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. Natural gas and nuclear energy are expected to play larger roles in the energy mix, while infrastructure challenges and inefficient pricing models, such as electricity subsidies, need to be addressed. The development of innovative delivery models and the adoption of smart technologies will be essential. NITI Aayog and other institutions are crafting a roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, focusing on people-centric approaches, sectoral strategies, and a sustainable, inclusive energy transition.
01 October 2024by Sourav Das
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Atlas Metrics Secures €12.2 Million to Expand ESG Reporting Platform
Berlin-based ESG software startup Atlas Metrics has raised €12.2 million in Series A funding to expand its team, enter new markets, and enhance its ESG compliance and performance management platform. Founded in 2021, the company helps mid-sized businesses and financial institutions meet regulatory requirements, including the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Atlas Metrics’ platform automates ESG reporting, utilizing AI and advanced analytics to transform sustainability data into strategic insights. The funding round was led by MMC Ventures, alongside existing investors Cherry Ventures, b2venture, and Redstone.
01 October 2024by Sourav Das
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Italy Investigates Shein for Alleged Greenwashing in Environmental Claims
The Italian Competition Authority has launched an investigation into online fashion retailer Shein’s operator, Infinite Styles Services Co, for possibly misleading environmental claims. The investigation centers around claims made in sections of Shein’s website, such as “#SHEINTHEKNOW,” “evoluSHEIN,” and “Social Responsibility,” which allegedly convey a false image of sustainability through vague or confusing statements on circularity, product quality, and responsible consumption. This inquiry is part of broader efforts by EU regulators to tackle greenwashing and ensure companies substantiate environmental claims. The European Commission has already introduced regulations, such as the Green Claims Directive, to address transparency issues in sustainability advertising. The fashion sector, known for its significant environmental footprint, is a key focus of these efforts. Shein has set emission reduction goals, but the Italian regulator noted inconsistencies between these targets and the company’s actual practices. Shein expressed its willingness to cooperate with authorities.
30 September 2024by Sourav Das
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Microsoft Expands Carbon Removal Efforts with UNDO's Enhanced Rock Weathering
Microsoft has strengthened its commitment to carbon removal by partnering with UNDO, a company specializing in enhanced rock weathering (ERW), to remove 15,000 tonnes of CO2. This deal builds on a 2023 agreement between the two organizations, which removed 5,000 tonnes of CO2 by spreading crushed basalt on UK agricultural land. Under the new arrangement, UNDO will spread 65,000 tonnes of crushed basalt and wollastonite across farmland in the UK and Canada, facilitating CO2 absorption through natural soil and plant processes. Alongside carbon capture, the project aims to improve soil quality and fund crucial research on ERW’s scalability, focusing on measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV). Microsoft, committed to being carbon-negative by 2030, views this partnership as a key part of its broader strategy, which includes diverse carbon removal technologies like direct air capture and biochar. UNDO’s innovative approach offers significant potential for scalable and permanent carbon removal solutions.
30 September 2024by Sourav Das
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