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Sustainability Leaders Awards 2021: Meet the Finalists
After a record-breaking year of entries, the judges have convened, decisions have been made and edie is proud to unveil the well- deserved finalists for the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards. This report outlines the who's who of sustainability excellence.
Kwarteng and Sharma keep key climate roles as part of cabinet reshuffle
COP26 President Alok Sharma and BEIS Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng have both remained in their respective positions, as part of the Prime Minister's cabinet reshuffle that saw former Environment Secretary Michael Gove step into the head of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Just one country on course to meet 1.5C target, new research warns
Only Gambia is currently on course to deliver climate action that is in alignment with the 1.5C pathway of the Paris Agreement, according to new research from Climate Action Tracker (CAT), which warns that momentum on updating climate targets has stalled.
COP26 Primer: Nature-based solutions
edie’s COP26 Primer Reports are about seizing the green opportunity. Produced in the run-up to the official talks, this mini-series of reports are based on the five key themes of COP26: Clean Energy, Clean Transport, Climate Resilience, Nature-Based Solutions, and Climate Finance. This report examines approaches to nature-based solutions.
COP26 Action Tracker: Nations urged to respond to IPCC report as Cambo oilfield row rolls on
With less than 100 days to go until COP26, this new series from edie will provide a regular temperature check of global climate action from nations and businesses.
COP26 Action Tracker: G20 members clash on coal as credibility of corporate net-zero targets questioned
With less than 100 days to go until COP26, this new series from edie will provide a regular temperature check of global climate action from nations and businesses.
UK's last coal-fired power plant to close in September 2024
Uniper has announced plans to end generation at its coal-fired Ratcliffe-on-Soar power plant in September 2024, a month before the UK Government's legal requirement to do so.
Finance giants 'drawing up plans to accelerate coal plant closures in Asia'
Financial firms including Prudential, BlackRock Real Assets, HSBC and Citi have reportedly signaled their support for a new proposal from the Asian Development Bank, designed to accelerate the transition away from coal-fired electricity.
Lloyd's outlines plans to increase green investments but stops short of full Paris Agreement alignment
Insurance and investment giant Lloyd's of London has published a new climate action roadmap, detailing plans to increase support for low-carbon transport, energy and industrial technologies.
How the world can reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to BloombergNEF
BloombergNEF has published its latest New Energy Outlook report, examining three progress pathways to reach net-zero globally by 2050. Here, edie summaries what will need to change to deliver this low-carbon trajectory.
G20 nations have funnelled $3.3trn into fossil fuel subsidies since 2015, BNEF reveals
G20 member countries collectively allocated subsidies topping $3.3trn to the oil, coal, gas and fossil-fuelled electricity generation sectors between 2015 and 2019 - a level incompatible with the Paris Agreement.
Report: Global demand for fossil-fuel-fired electricity has peaked
After demand for fossil fuels for electricity generation peaked across developed markets in 2007, it has now peaked across developing markets as well, according to a new report.
Investors call on banking giants to step up on climate and biodiversity commitments
More than 100 investors, including the likes of Aviva and M&G Investments, representing $4.2trn in assets under management have written to some of the world's biggest banks, calling on them to strengthen climate and biodiversity targets this year.
UK's coal-fired electricity ban officially brought forward to 2024
From 1 October 2024 - one year earlier than originally planned - coal-fired electricity generation will be banned in the UK.
Business demand for renewables greater than that of UK's total power usage
Businesses that have made public commitments to procure 100% renewable energy have created a combined demand that is bigger than the national requirements from the likes of the UK and Italy, with separate research showing that two-thirds of renewables globally are cheaper than fossil fuels.
IEA: Renewables set to attract 70% of global energy investment in 2021
Global energy investment is likely to rebound to pre-pandemic levels this year, with most finance going towards renewables - but, ultimately, the new generation capacity financed will not be compatible with long-term climate goals.
Shareholders pass vote for HSBC to phase-out global coal financing by 2040
Shareholders of HSBC have today passed a proposed management resolution that commits the bank to phase-out financing for the coal industry by 2040 worldwide, following successful campaigning from investors.
G7 nations agree 2030s net-zero targets for power sector
The leaders of the G7 nations have agreed a joint commitment to ensure their power sectors reach net-zero in the 2030s, setting up for the economy-wide transition by 2050.
edie launches new business guide on flexible energy for net-zero
edie has today (10 May) launched a free guide outlining the key considerations, challenges and opportunities for businesses looking to trial and deploy flexible energy solutions.
The edie Communications Handbook 2021
This handbook, developed as part of edie’s Engagement Week 2021, provides you with the best-practice advice and expert insight you need to relay the importance of sustainability to key stakeholders.
Greece goes coal-free as Moto installs EV chargers: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Global energy emissions set to rebound as Covid-19 lockdowns lift, IEA warns
Global energy demand is rebounding rapidly from the Covid-19-related slump, with fossil fuels set to play a major role in meeting this demand, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is warning.
Report: China's carbon neutrality goal only achievable with major coal phase-out
If China is to meet its 2060 ambition of carbon neutrality, announced last year, it must shut hundreds of gigawatts of coal generation and reform emissions trading as a priority, a new report has revealed.
UK records lowest power grid carbon intensity
On Easter Monday, the UK recorded its lowest level of carbon intensity for electricity use, the National Grid ESO has confirmed.
Covid-19 sees carbon emissions fall 10% in 2020 as UK nears half-way mark to net-zero
The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic delivered an estimated 10.7% reduction in carbon emissions in 2020, with total greenhouse gas emissions almost 50% lower than they were in 1990, the baseline year for the UK's net-zero target.
'Outrageous hypocrisy': Government condemned over £16bn oil and gas sector 'bailout'
Green groups have expressed their anger at the Government's new £16bn sector deal that pledges to align the oil and gas sector with the national net-zero target, while also ending financing for overseas fossil fuel projects, with many frustrated by a refusal to end oil and gas licensing.
'Systematic climate approach': Swiss Re plots global coal phase-out by 2040
Insurance and reinsurance giant Swiss Re has announced new climate targets for financed emissions and pledged to stop serving the global coal sector by 2040.
Hungary's coal exit and London's first 'tiny forest': The Sustainability Success Stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Report: Cumbria can create 9,000 green jobs by 2035, without a coal mine
Proponents of Cumbria's proposed coal mine often point to its potential to create 500 new roles. But the county could create thousands of jobs and attract billions of pounds of investment if it opts, instead, to expand low-carbon sectors.
Government orders public inquiry into Cumbria coal mine
The Government is set to intervene in the controversial plan to open a new coal mine in Cumbria, with a fresh inquiry as to whether it can be opened while keeping to national climate commitments mooted to take place.
Drax scraps gas plant plans in Yorkshire, following climate concerns
Drax is scrapping plans to build the largest gas plant in Europe, which has faced legal challenges on climate grounds in recent months.
Cumbria County Council puts plans for controversial coal mine on hold
After much criticism of its decision to approve the UK's first deep coal mine in more than 30 years, Cumbria County Council has confirmed that it will reconsider the move.
Climate Change Committee calls for rethink on Cumbrian coal mine approval
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is the latest organisation urging the UK Government to reconsider the planning approval for a new coal mine in Cumbria, warning that it will increase emissions and create a "negative impression" of UK green policy in the build-up to COP26.
Global carbon market grew 20% in 2020
The valuation of the global carbon market grew 20% in 2020, totalling almost €230bn and the fourth consecutive year of record growth, new research has found.
Kwasi Kwarteng admits 'tension' between UK's new coal mine and climate ambitions
BEIS Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has admitted that the Government's decision not to intervene with the planning process for a new coal mine in Cumbria is at odds with its domestic climate targets and the messages it wants to send as COP26 host.
Aldi's plastic-free packaging and Portugal's coal phase-out: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
In action: the world's first fully commercial carbon capture and utilisation plant
Carbon Clean – in partnership with Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (TFL) – has been operating the world’s first low-cost, industrial-scale carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) plant in India since October 2016. Take a look inside the project with this new download.
Inside the world's first fully commercial carbon capture and utilisation plant
edie has today (14 January) published a new case study, taking readers on an in-depth exploration of the world's first fully commercial carbon capture and utilisation plant in India.
Five ways to maximise the impact of your energy data
This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors discussed the role that energy data can play in the delivery of net-zero targets.
Six top tips for accelerating your electric fleet transition
This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors shared experiences integrating electric vehicles (EV) into their organisations' fleets.
Cumbria coal mine: Government won't block UK's first deep coal mine in three decades
Despite pressure from green groups, the UK Government has said it will not intervene in Cumbria County Council's decision to approve a deep coal mine in Whitehaven - the first facility of its kind to gain planning approval in 30 years.
China 'preparing to launch its first emissions trading scheme'
The Chinese government is drawing up the first emissions trading scheme in the nation's history, after it committed to carbon neutrality by 2060.
Dewley Hill: Newcastle City Council blocks controversial coal mine
Climate campaigners have expressed relief after an application to turn more than 250 acres of greenbelt land near Newcastle into an opencast coal mine was blocked.
Lloyds of London finally agrees to divest from coal
Insurance giant Lloyds of London has promised to end investment in coal, oil sands and fossil fuel exploration in the Arctic, following years a pressure from climate campaigners.
EU clinches hard-fought deal on 55% 2030 climate target
European leaders haggled through the night to clinch a deal on the bloc's updated climate target for 2030 on Friday morning (11 December), agreeing an EU-wide goal of cutting net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.
Glencore sets 2050 net-zero target, but won't divest from coal
Swiss multinational mining and materials giant Glencore has set new climate targets headlined by a 2050 net-zero vision, covering all scopes.
Uniper targets carbon neutrality by 2050, outlines coal-free vision
German multinational energy giant Uniper has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality across its global business by 2050, outlining new goals around coal phase-outs and green hydrogen.
Scottish Widows to divest £440m from companies lagging on environmental and social sustainability
Pensions provider Scottish Widows has outlined plans to divest at least £440m from companies that have failed to meet its ESG standards, in what is claims is the most far-reaching exclusions process in the sector.
US Election 2020: What does Joe Biden's win mean for the global climate emergency?
US President-elect Joe Biden is outlining that first steps of his transition plan after beating Donald Trump in the US election. While the latter is yet to concede the results, leadership under the Democrats will deliver a very different outlook on global efforts to combat the climate crisis.
The Net-Zero election: Will the US continue to swim against the tide on climate change?
It is election night in the US and millions of citizens have already cast their vote on who should be the next president. The divide between Donald Trump and Joe Biden is evident, with one ready to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and the other ready to embrace the net-zero transition. The result of this election will likely shape global climate negotiations moving forward.
The Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook 2020
Updated in September 2020, the Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook provides expert advice on engaging key stakeholders with your sustainability strategy; along with fresh insights to shape, deliver and share a compelling sustainability report.
Samsung faces youth climate protests over involvement in new Vietnam coal plant
Climate protestors have gathered outside Samsung's flagship UK store on Oxford Street this morning (21 August), calling on the firm to halt plans to help build a new coal-fired power plant in Vietnam.
BHP to exit thermal coal mining within two years
The world's largest mining company BHP has unveiled plans to sell off its thermal coal mines by the end of 2022, after developing new climate targets last year.
Heatwaves bring Britain's coal-free run to an end
Britain's run of more than 55 days without relying on coal for power came to an end this morning, with the National Grid firing up a coal-fired plant in Nottinghamshire to combat low energy output during the current heatwave.
Credit Suisse cuts fossil fuel lending as part of £250bn green finance promise
Swiss investment bank Credit Suisse has unveiled plans to provide more than £250bn in financing geared towards green bonds and the low-carbon economy over the next decade, as well as pledging to limit financing to the oil and gas sector.
Report: Governments collectively failing to deliver net-zero-aligned coal phase-out
Coal accounted for 40% of carbon emissions from energy use last year and this trend is unlikely to be stopped by existing commitments from national governments - including so-called 'green' Covid-19 recovery strategies.
Spain's coal phase-out and Danone's carbon-neutral factory: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
'Good all round': Exploring Innocent Drinks' first sustainability report
EXCLUSIVE: Innocent drinks has launched its first "good all round" report, the company's innovative take on the traditional sustainability report outlining progress against its carbon-neutral, circular economy and staff engagement ambitions.
45-Minute Masterclass: Accelerating the smart grid transition for your business
With distributed energy assets fast becoming a mainstream part of the UK power network, this live online masterclass will equip businesses with the insights and inspiration they need to decentralise, decarbonise and democratise their energy through smart grid technologies and systems.
Britain goes 60 days without coal-fired power generation
As of midnight today (10 June), Britain has had no coal-fired power generation on its grid for a full two months - the longest period since the Industrial Revolution.
Fossil fuel profits set to collapse by two-thirds
The global market value of fossil fuels is set to collapse by almost two-thirds, creating heightened economic risk for companies, financial markets and countries failing to embrace new low-carbon technology.
Purpose from passion: How UK communities can help deliver net-zero
As we continue to seek new and innovative strategies to 'Build Back Better', Anda Baumerte, Sustainability Manager and Community Energy Contact at Northern Powergrid outlines how with DNO support community energy projects can transform our energy network and play a vital role in the transition to net-zero.
BNP Paribas accelerates coal phase-out as BlackRock predicts clean energy future
Corporate bank BNP Paribas is speeding up its phase-out of support for coal projects, while BlackRock has claimed that renewables are still the course of action for the global energy mix. However, other investors that have made low-carbon commitments have been accused of supporting a tar sands oil project in Canada.
Oil and gas giants overstating net-zero ambitions, study finds
Recent announcements from European oil and gas majors such as Total, Shell and BP to commit to net-zero aren't actually aligned to the required, science-based cuts to emissions to reach net-zero or the 1.5C target of the Paris Agreement, new research has found.
Coronavirus lockdown: UK hits coal-free month
The UK has gone more than 30 days without relying on coal for power, with gas, nuclear and renewables providing enough demand during a period of lower energy demand because of the coronavirus lockdown.
Total commits to net-zero emissions by 2050 following investor pressure
Global energy company Total is the latest in the sector to commit to net-zero emissions, setting a target for 2050 or sooner after extensive engagement with a climate action investor coalition.
IEA: Global emissions in 2020 to plummet by largest margin ever recorded due to Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic is set to deliver the biggest disruption to the energy system since the 1930s, with global electricity demand to fall by 5% while the level of emissions for 2020 are set to fall by 8% - the largest annual decrease in emissions ever recorded, according to the IEA.
UK sets new record for coal-free generation
The UK has this morning broken its existing record for coal-free power generation, surpassing 18 consecutive days and counting.
Barclays and HSBC blasted over £158bn fossil fuel financing
Banking giants Barclays and HSBC have been accused of financing a combined £158bn into the fossil fuel sector since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, despite both organisations pledging to ramp up sustainable investment portfolios.
In numbers: Public attitudes and pollution impacts of the coronavirus lockdown in the UK
A survey has explored how public attitudes towards sustainable living have changed during the UK's Covid-19 lockdown, while separate analysis has examined the potential carbon reductions that a 12-week lockdown would generate in the UK.
UK smashes solar generation record
Solar use in the UK broke an all-time peak generation record on Monday (20 April), accounting for almost 30% of UK electricity demand, with the UK also operating for more than 11 consecutive days without coal.
Royal Dutch Shell commits to net-zero emissions by 2050
One of the world's largest emitters, Royal Dutch Shell, is set to announce plans to become a net-zero emissions business by 2050 at the latest at its Responsible Investment Annual Briefing today (16 April).
Coronavirus: Business leaders join European Green Recovery alliance
Business members of the European Corporate Leaders Group (CLG Europe) have joined the European Parliament, policymakers and NGOs in forming an alliance for a "green recovery" of the European economy that assists with the ongoing fight against the climate crisis.
Carbon emissions from fossil fuels could fall by 2.5bn tonnes in 2020
Global carbon emissions from the fossil fuel industry could fall by a record 2.5bn tonnes this year, a reduction of 5%, as the coronavirus pandemic triggers the biggest drop in demand for fossil fuels on record.
Nations risking 'uneconomic' coronavirus responses by prioritising coal, report warns
China, the US, India and European nations are at risk of being burdened with uneconomic, long-term plans to stimulate their economies in response to the coronavirus outbreak by focusing on new coal capacity, a new study from Carbon Tracker warns.
Solar demand could fall for first time in 30 years due to Coronavirus
BloombergNEF (BNEF) analysis suggests that the ramifications of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) will lead to downgrades in forecasts for renewables deployment and electric vehicle (EV) development, with solar capacity set to fall 16% compared to previous estimates.
Low-carbon generation edges past 50% share of UK's power demand
New statistics from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have confirmed that low-carbon generation accounted for more than 51% of the electricity supplied in the UK in 2019, a 2% growth on 2018 levels.
Drax to end coal generation in 2021
Drax has announced plans to end commercial coal generation at its coal-fired power station in North Yorkshire in 2021 - ahead of the UK's 2025 deadline - in a move expected to cost up to £35m and lead to job reductions off at least 200.
Glencore slams BP's net-zero target as it outlines measures to cap coal use
The chief executive of coal giant Glencore dubbed BP's 2050 net-zero target "wishy-washy" as he outlined how his firm will tackle scope 3 emissions through to 2035.
RBS's climate goals and Aldi's plastic bag crackdown: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
RBS to rebrand, plans for 'climate-positive' operations by 2025
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has unveiled plans to go beyond net-zero emissions for its operations by 2025 and to at least halve the climate impact of its financial decisions and activities by 2030, as part of the organisation's rebrand to the NatWest Group.
Reports: BlackRock and Barclays to act on climate investment calls
As reports emerge that Barclays is set to agree on shareholder calls to phase-out fossil fuel investments, BlackRock has already made strides on its stance to remove fossil fuel firms from its portfolio.
Five key takeaways from edie's net-zero energy masterclass
Last week, edie undertook a masterclass with Smartest Energy on evolving your energy strategy for net-zero, which included a case study with property giant JLL.
COP26: Boris Johnson to move diesel ban forward to 2035 and call for global net-zero transition
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the COP26 climate conference to call on other nations to follow the UK in setting a net-zero target and is also set to reveal plans to move the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars forward five years to 2035 as part of a "year of climate action".
Climate activist turns down Siemens board role over Australian mine deal
German climate activist Luisa Neubauer has declined an offer from Siemens' chief executive Joe Kaeser to sit on a supervisory board off the firm's new energy business, following controversy over an Australian mining project.
8 steps for overcoming the behavioural change challenge
During the SPARK 2.0 event, energy and sustainability professionals discussed the barriers to behaviour change and how businesses could harness the wider awareness of the climate strikes to engage all staff members on the need to manage energy use.
America's Pledge and Europe's Green Deal: What happened on days 8 & 9 of COP25?
COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - has entered its second week in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the last few days of the event.
COP25: Drax to become carbon negative by 2030
UK energy company Drax will announce ambitions to become carbon negative by 2030 at the UN's COP25 climate summit in Madrid today (Tuesday, December 10).
UN: Carbon-intensive businesses will lose trillions as climate policies tighten
Large oil and gas, metals and mining and heavy industry firms are likely to lose almost half (43%) of their value in the next decade, as nations introduce more stringent climate policies.
Report: Coal 'becoming uninsurable' as cover withdrawal doubles
The number of insurance firms withdrawing cover for coal companies and assets has more than doubled between 2018 and 2019, a new report has revealed.
BNP Paribas vows to end coal financing by 2040
Corporate bank BNP Paribas has pledged to stop all funding for thermal coal globally by 2040, with an interim target of 2030 for EU Member States.
Fossil fuel production on track for double the safe climate limit
The world's nations are on track to produce more than twice as much coal, oil and gas as can be burned in 2030 while restricting the rise in the global temperature to 1.5C, analysis shows.
National Grid commits to net-zero emissions target for 2050
The National Grid has announced a commitment to reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, the same timeframe as the UK Government's legislative target.
Just one in 10 of world's largest energy firms have net-zero targets, report finds
Just 10% of the world's largest 132 coal, electricity and oil and gas companies have set time-based commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero, with just three companies also pledging to reduce indirect emissions as well.
Beyond Carbon: The $500m plan to create a low-carbon US, with or without Trump
EXCLUSIVE: President Donald Trump may have officially kickstarted the process to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, but there is a movement of cities, states and businesses that is driving the nation towards 100% clean energy, with or without support from the federal government.
Oil and gas giants must cut production by a third to meet climate targets
The world's largest oil and gas companies must cut combined production by 35% by 2040 if nations are the meet the collective ambitions of the Paris Agreement and limit global warming to below 2C, a new report from Carbon Tracker has found.
Energy giants call for post-Brexit carbon price certainty in 'Net-Zero Budget'
Energy giants Drax, Orsted and SSE have penned a joint letter to Chancellor Sajid Javid calling for the Government to outline post-Brexit carbon pricing mechanisms, warning that it is crucial to the resilience of business and acts as a key indicator for investors.
Study: EU coal power plants incurred €6.6 billion losses in 2019
Increasing environmental regulations and fierce competition from renewable energies are increasingly making coal-fired power operate at a loss. According to a British think tank, coal-fired power plants are losing billions of euros every year, but energy companies say this is nonsense.
Renewable energy to expand by 50% in next five years - report
Global supplies of renewable electricity are growing faster than expected and could expand by 50% in the next five years, powered by a resurgence in solar energy.
'Risking a carbon budget blowout': UK Government gives go-ahead to Drax gas plant
The UK Government is "risking a carbon budget blowout" by overruling a recommendation from its planning authority in order to give the green light to Drax's large-scale gas power plant, which had been refused on climate grounds.
