Net Zero & Decarbonisation News | ESG & Sustainability | OneStop ESG

Arctic Warming Driven by Clouds, Not Just Emissions

Carbon Footprint vs. Carbon Intensity

Carbon Footprint and Carbon Intensity are key tools for tackling climate change. Your Carbon Footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions from your actions—like driving, eating, or running a business—helping you identify and reduce your overall impact. Carbon Intensity focuses on efficiency, measuring emissions per unit of output, like energy or economic value, guiding sustainable growth. Individuals use footprints to make eco-friendly choices; businesses use both to cut emissions and optimize operations. In 2024, 50% of global firms tracked both metrics for net-zero goals. Together, they empower smarter, greener decisions for a sustainable future.

EU Tweaks CBAM to Help Small Businesses, Keeps 99% of Emissions in Check

Amazon Sticks to Net-Zero 2040 Goal Despite Trump’s Anti-Climate Stance

Pope Leo XIV Urges Diplomats to Build Peace with Justice and Truth

EBRD Extends Deadline for 2023 Capital Increase Amid US Talks

JP Morgan Taps Kai-Christian Nerger to Lead Green Banking in Europe

Carbon Credits: What They Are and How They Work in Real Life?

Carbon credits are vital for tackling climate change, representing one metric ton of CO2 reduced or removed. They enable businesses to offset unavoidable emissions by supporting projects like reforestation or renewable energy. Compliance markets, like the EU ETS, drive industrial emission cuts (47% since 2005), while voluntary markets help companies like Microsoft achieve carbon negativity. Buyers include corporations, governments, and airlines; sellers are project developers. Standards like Verra ensure credit quality through rigorous verification. Despite criticisms of over-reliance, credits complement decarbonization, with global markets expanding via initiatives like CORSIA and Paris Agreement’s Article 6, fostering innovation and sustainability.

Proposed ESA Redefinition May Narrow Scope of Environmental Protections for Infrastructure Projects

On April 17, 2025, U.S. wildlife regulators proposed a rule to rescind the long-standing definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The move could drastically reduce environmental permitting obligations for infrastructure projects by excluding habitat-only impacts—such as wetland or forest modifications—from incidental take requirements if no species are physically present. The public comment period closes May 19, 2025.

Power Move: $330M Fund Fuels Decarbonization Drive Across North America

Power Sustainable, a subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada, has launched a $330 million private equity strategy focused on accelerating decarbonization in North America. The fund, backed by major institutions like Canada Life and Export Development Canada, targets established U.S. and Canadian middle-market companies in high-impact sectors such as energy, industry, transportation, and the built environment. Rather than speculative startups, the focus is on proven businesses that need capital and support to scale their climate-positive solutions. Led by Karine Khatcherian and Martin Aares, the strategy emphasizes collaboration with management teams to build long-term resilience and sustainability. This initiative signals a growing role for private capital in bridging the climate investment gap and future-proofing the economy.

Ara Partners Secures $800 Million for Decarbonization Infrastructure Fund

Ara Partners has raised over $800 million for its debut Ara Infrastructure Fund I, exceeding its $500 million target, to invest in mid-market decarbonization infrastructure across Europe and North America. Launched in 2022 and led by George Yong and Teresa O’Flynn, the fund focuses on building or repurposing assets in sectors like energy efficiency and green fuels, addressing the underserved middle market. It has made three investments—Lincoln (U.S. terminal services), USD Clean Fuels (renewable fuel logistics), and Natural World Products (Irish organics recycling)—with a fourth pending, managing 12 assets. The fund aims to capitalize on rising energy demand and decentralized systems, delivering emissions reductions and economic returns, supported by Ara’s operational expertise and a diverse investor base.

France Launches Charter to Support Use of High-Integrity Carbon Credits

France’s new charter for carbon credits emphasizes high integrity and transparency in the carbon market, aligning with the Paris Agreement. Companies are now required to prioritize emissions reductions while using carbon credits only as a complement to their decarbonization efforts. This initiative aims to provide a credible framework for the global carbon market and encourage businesses to invest in high-quality, impactful projects.