The Paris Agreement
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Burberry to reduce emissions by 95% through approved 1.5C science-based target
Luxury fashion giant Burberry has joined just a handful of companies in setting a science-based target aligned to the 1.5C trajectory of the Paris Agreement, after committing to reducing its operational emissions by 95% by 2022.
UK looks set to host COP26 in partnership with Italy
The UK has formally proposed its intention to host next year's international COP climate conference as part of a partnership with Italy that will see the latter host a pre-COP event.
The Global Goals: Can the 'long-term North Star' guide businesses to value creation?
At edie Live, experts from the private and public sectors discussed business progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here, edie explores whether there's still time left for sustainability and energy professionals to harness the Global Goals to truly transform business, for good.
Unilever boss calls for business push on net-zero emissions
Unilever's new chief executive Alan Jope has written to trade associations and business groups that the consumer goods giant is a member of, asking for clarity on whether they believe a transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 is essential.
Carbon Credentials to cut Scope 3 emissions through approved science-based target
Energy and carbon management company Carbon Credentials is ready to walk the walk on climate goals, after having new targets to reduce Scope 3 value chain emissions approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Logistics giant HAVI sets science-based emissions targets
Global supply chain management and logistics firm HAVI has unveiled a new set of science-based emissions reductions targets, making it one of the first ten firms in its sector to align itself with the Paris Agreement.
Utility leaders support UK bid to host UN climate conference
Leaders in the energy and water sectors have pledged their support for the UK's bid to host the 2020 UN Conference of the Parties climate conference (COP26).
BP shareholders demand climate action, but reject calls for hard targets
An overwhelming vote in favour of climate action at BP's annual meeting yesterday (21 May) shows how activist investors have started to move the oil and gas industry. But it also showed the limits to their appetite for change.
Ecotricity responds to climate emergency with carbon-neutral goal for 2025
Green utilities firm Ecotricity has publicly declared a climate emergency, vowing to "upgrade" its current sustainability commitments to become a carbon-neutral business by 2025.
Chubb sets global science-based emissions targets
The world's largest publicly listed property and casualty insurance firm has set new carbon emission reduction targets, in line with the 2C trajectory outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Low-carbon transition puts $10trn at risk for inactive investors
A global coalition of financial investors has warned that more than $10trn (£7.7trn) in portfolio assets could be lost if the sector and governments fail to rapidly transition to a low-carbon economy.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Climate tipping points with Mars, ING, UPS and The Carbon Trust
Episode 62 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees Matt and Sarah deliver interviews outlining how big-name companies in key sectors facing a climate tipping point are radically decarbonising their business to help spur climate action and transition to the low-carbon economy.
UK Government must align funding aid with 'net-zero' to tackle global climate challenges, MPs warn
The UK Government must place climate change at the centre of its foreign aid strategy and funding decisions if it is to help communities abroad mitigate - and adapt to - global climate challenges, a group of MPs have warned.
Report: Fashion sector stalling on sustainability progress, with high street giants holding industry back
The global fashion industry's overall efforts to operate more sustainability have slowed by one-third on a year-on-year basis, with actions failing to decouple emissions from the sector's rapid growth in a way that would align with the Paris Agreement's aims.
Report: Oil and gas firms failing to disclose climate-related financial risks
The world's largest oil and gas firms must disclose more information on the financial risks that climate challenges will pose to their business, or face losing investment and stakeholder trust.
Net-zero emissions by 2050: CCC publishes long-awaited recommendations for UK Government
The UK must "set and vigorously pursue" a bold new climate change target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 'net-zero' levels by 2050 – replacing the current target of an 80% reduction against 1990 levels – according to a major new report from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).
'Government must act now': Green economy reacts to the CCC's net-zero report
Green leaders have come out in force to praise the Committee on Climate Change's report - and requested immediate action from the government on the issues raised from its findings.
High Court dismisses climate case against third runway at Heathrow Airport
The High Court has today (1 May) dismissed five claimants objecting the expansion of Heathrow Airport on grounds including pollution and climate change impacts, a decision criticised in light of the recent declarations of a "climate emergency" in the UK.
Net-zero emissions and a Green New Deal for the UK: Key business questions, answered
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) is providing its highly anticipated advice on setting a net-zero emissions target to the Government during a time where calls for a Green New Deal continue to grow. Here, edie explores how the UK can set a new standard for climate change policy.
Business leaders call for EU net-zero target
The chief executives from more than 50 businesses, including Ikea, Unilever, Heathrow Airport and Interface have called on the European Union (EU) to create a long-term decarbonisation roadmap for a net-zero economy by 2050.
edie launches SDG Spotlight reports to highlight how businesses can achieve the Global Goals
edie has launched its first SDG Spotlight report, the first of many downloadable reports looking at how businesses can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help achieve the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), with the first focusing on Goal 13: Climate Action.
UK's 'creative carbon accounting' breaches climate deal, say critics
The UK is breaching the Paris agreement on climate change by excluding international aviation and shipping figures from carbon budgets, according to a leading NGO.
Verizon targets carbon neutrality by 2035
US-based telecommunications and technology giant Verizon has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality across its Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (electricity and heat) footprints by 2035.
Oxford City Council to create citizens assembly to assist with climate change targets
Following a week of climate-related protests in London, Oxford City Council has announced its intention to become the first UK local authority to create a "citizens assembly" to assist with the establishment of new carbon targets and climate mitigation strategies.
'You did not act in time': Greta Thunberg's full speech to MPs
Read the full text of the speech Greta Thunberg gave to MPs at the Houses of Parliament, originally hosted by the Guardian.
Extinction Rebellion: Role of business in society is being defined by climate change
As thousands of climate protestors continue to blockade key London landmarks as part of the Extinction Rebellion protests, businesses have been warned that action or inaction to combat climate change will define their role in future societies.
Local and regional governments have the answer for the climate change conundrum
How do we meet the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change? That is the burning question on the minds of countless individuals, and the answers may well reside in our local and regional governments.
UK emissions linked to annual Arctic ice loss larger than four cities
WWF has measured the impact of the UK's carbon emissions on ice loss in the Arctic for the first time, concluding that the nation's 2018 emissions caused the loss of more than 1000km2 of Arctic sea ice.
Shell taken to court over climate impacts and alleged human rights 'violations'
Oil and gas giant Shell is facing legal actions over "slow" progress in reducing its emissions, improving its human rights protections and eliminating oil spills, with green campaign group Friends of the Earth's (FoTE) Netherlands arm claiming its current business model is "wrecking the climate".
Brexit eclipses climate talks in leaked EU summit draft
EU heads of states are expected to reiterate earlier commitments on climate action when they meet in Brussels later this week, despite growing calls from youths across Europe to step up the fight against global warming, according to a draft EU summit statement seen by EURACTIV.
DSM emissions goals approved by Science Based Targets initiative
Science-based reduction targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been put in place by global nutrition, health and sustainable living firm Royal DSM.
Sharp rise in Arctic temperatures now inevitable, UN warns
Sharp and potentially devastating temperature rises of 3C to 5C in the Arctic are now inevitable even if the world succeeds in cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris agreement, research has found.
Five EU countries call for 100% renewable energy by 2050
The European Union's 28 energy ministers had their first public debate on the European Commission's 2050 climate plan on Monday (4 March) but five member states derided the lack of a 100% renewable energy scenario among the EU executive's proposed options.
Science Based Targets initiative unveils bid to help more businesses set 1.5C goals
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has unveiled new measures designed to help more businesses align their emissions targets with the Paris Agreement's most ambitious trajectory, in the wake of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) landmark report on climate change.
Big-name businesses call on EU to set 'net-zero' emissions target for 2050
Unilever, Tesco and Heathrow Airport are among a coalition of 16 big-name corporates calling on the European Union (EU) to set a legally binding net-zero carbon emissions target for 2050, which would see the bloc achieve carbon neutrality within the next three decades.
How meeting the Paris Agreement will improve global economic growth
A new report has outlined that meeting the 2C target established as part of the Paris Agreement will improve global GDP and boost investment. Here, edie explores how nations can make this vision a reality.
Global energy demand to decouple from economic growth by 2035, but not quick enough for a 2C world
Global energy demand will decouple from economic growth for the first time by 2035, due to zero-carbon energy sources accounting for more than half of the global power supply - a feat that still puts a 2C-pathway "out of reach".
BP links employee bonuses with climate progress in Paris Agreement alignment drive
Following pressure from green investors, oil and gas giant BP has pledged to align its business with the aims of the Paris Agreement and has begun linking staff bonuses to its low-carbon progress.
Calls for review of UK's 2050 climate target rejected by Court of Appeals
An appeal to bring forward the UK's current climate commitments to align with scientific research on the necessity to limit average global warming to 1.5C has been rejected by the Court of Appeals.
![MEPs welcomed the Commission’s effort but warn that of the several scenarios on offer only the two net-zero emissions options are “compatible with the Union’s [Paris Agreement] commitment”](https://e2k9ube.cloudimg.io/s/width/226/https://edienet.s3.amazonaws.com/news/images/full_37887.jpg?v2=30/01/2019 09:52:00)
MEPs locked in dispute over EU's climate plan
European lawmakers are locked in a dispute over a landmark climate plan that is meant to drag the EU into compliance with the Paris Agreement, as parliamentary committees tussle over who should take the lead.
Investors press fast food giants to 'urgently' improve supply chain sustainability
A coalition of investment firms with more than $6.5trn in assets under management have called on six of the world's largest fast food companies to take more ambitious action to tackle the climate and water risks within their supply chains, as a "matter of urgency".
Ocean growth hub amongst projects backed by £279m Industrial Strategy investment
The UK Government has announced various new projects aimed at protecting the health of the oceans, developing the next generation of sustainable packaging and protecting Pacific Island nations from the threats of climate change.
President Trump's environmental agenda - the story so far
US Congress reconvened on Thursday (3 January) following the 2018 midterm elections which saw the Democratic Party win the majority in the House of Representatives. With new Speaker Nancy Pelosi promising to turn the screw on US climate change action, edie takes a look back at the first half of Trump's presidency and its impact on the US climate and environment agenda.
Why tree planting should be part of your climate change strategy
12 years. That's all the time we have to limit global warming to the 1.5°C target laid out by October's UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.
EU forges deal on coal phase-out, with special Polish clause
European Union legislators reached agreement in the early hours of Wednesday (19 December) over a proposed reform of electricity market rules that includes a 2025 cut-off date for coal subsidies, and a special clause for Poland.
Nations agree on Paris Agreement rulebook, fail on climate ambition
Three years and three days after the Paris Agreement was adopted, the 197 signatory countries gathered in Katowice, Poland, agreed Saturday (15 December) on a rulebook for its implementation but failed to raise their ambition to keep global warming "well below 2°C".
COP24 Covered: Days 9-10 - net-zero industry clusters and 'Swiss cheese' strategies
edie has launched a new series of podcast episodes which will round-up all of the key developments and major announcements for businesses at COP24, in under 13 minutes. This fifth and final episode features an exclusive interview with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability leadership.
COP24 Covered: Days 7-8 - Paris Agreement progress and green buildings
edie has launched a new series of podcast episodes which will round-up all of the key developments and major announcements for businesses, in under 13 minutes.
Tackle climate or face financial crash, say world's biggest investors
Global investors managing $32tn issued a stark warning to governments at the UN climate summit on Monday, demanding urgent cuts in carbon emissions and the phasing out of all coal burning. Without these, the world faces a financial crash several times worse than the 2008 crisis, they said.
Merlin Entertainments switches to 100% renewable electricity for UK attractions
Legoland, Sea Life and Madame Tussauds operator Merlin Entertainments is now sourcing 100% renewably-generated electricity across its UK attractions, after signing a supply deal with green power firm Ecotricity.
IEA: Global carbon emissions set to rise in 2018, breaking five-year decline
The amount of carbon emitted by the world's most economically advanced nations is set to rise before the end of 2018, bucking a five-year decline in emissions, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned.
10 years on from the Climate Change Act, how far have we come?
The first line of the Climate Change Act passed in 2008 reads "it is the duty of the Secretary of State to ensure that the net UK carbon account for the year 2050 is at least 80% lower than the baseline".
COP24 Covered: edie analyses climate talks with series of mini-podcasts
As hundreds of world leaders, policymakers and climate experts meet in Poland to discuss how best to address some of the world's most pressing climate challenges, edie has launched a new series of podcast episodes which will round-up all of the key developments and major announcements for businesses, in under 10 minutes.
Banking giants pledge to align investment portfolios with Paris Agreement
BBVA, BNP Paribas, Standard Chartered and Société Générale have pledged to measure the climate-related impacts of their lending portfolios and assist companies they invest in with aligning their respective sustainability strategies with the Paris Agreement goals.
'We are last generation that can stop climate change' - UN summit
The UN climate change summit begins on Monday with a warning that today's generation is the last that can prevent catastrophic global warming, as well as the first to be suffering its impacts.
New EU plan comes out fighting for 'climate neutrality' by 2050
The European Commission has unveiled its much-anticipated plan for a "climate-neutral Europe" on Wednesday (28 November), in an effort to show EU countries how to stick to the goals of the Paris Agreement and endorse a shared long-term strategy.
UN: World must triple efforts or face catastrophic climate change
Countries are failing to take the action needed to stave off the worst effects of climate change, a UN report has found, and the commitments made in the 2015 Paris agreement will not be met unless governments introduce additional measures as a matter of urgency.
10 countries demand net-zero emission goal in new EU climate strategy
Ministers from ten EU countries have urged the European Commission to chart a "credible and detailed" path towards net-zero emissions in 2050, ahead of the launch of a landmark climate strategy next week.
Report: G20 nations off track to meet Paris Agreement goals, despite clean energy promises
Of the energy provided to G20 nations during the past 10 years, 82% was generated using coal, oil or gas - despite the bloc's promises to transition to clean power.
Global economic growth threatening climate change progress, report warns
The expansion in the global economy is undermining the world's efforts to achieve the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement, a new report from global consultancy Capgemini has warned.
Top European firms warned over lobbying against stronger climate policy
A group of investors worth $2trn has urged 55 major European businesses to review their relationships with organisations with lobbying practices "inconsistent" with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Report: Few countries have emissions targets that match their Paris Agreement pledges
Most countries signed up to the Paris Agreement, including the UK, have failed to set domestic targets that are at least as ambitious as their pledged contributions, according to a damning new report.
World Cement Association aligns climate action strategy with 2C trajectory
Global non-profit World Cement Association (WCA) has released a climate action strategy targeting carbon emissions and waste management, in a drive to help the industry align with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting the global temperature increase below 2C.
'Bad news' and 'despair': Global carbon emissions to hit new record in 2018, IEA says
Global carbon emissions will rise to a new record level in 2018, making the chances of reaching a target to keep temperature increases to 1.5 or 2°C "weaker and weaker every year, every month," the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said.
Science Based Targets initiative to support businesses with 1.5C goals in wake of IPCC report
The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) will place a renewed focus on assisting businesses in setting emissions reduction goals aligned with the 1.5C ambition of the Paris Agreement, a WWF official has revealed.
Sir David King: Urgent focus needed on climate 'restoration'
The UK Government's former chief scientific advisor Sir David King has called for a $150 carbon price to be implemented globally and for the UK Government to focus on a net-zero emissions policy for 2045 to start to "repair and restore" the climate.
IPCC 1.5C report: How can business drive the creation of a carbon-neutral world?
The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is celebrating its 30th birthday this year, and has done so by releasing a landmark report that acknowledges the severity of the challenge at hand. But how can business stop being part of the problem, and co-create the necessary solutions?
Business leaders call on EU to set net-zero emissions strategy
A group of business and civil society leaders, including Paul Polman, Christiana Figueres, Sir Richard Branson and Arianna Huffington, has called on the European Union (EU) to increase climate actions and "ensure targets are aligned with a just transition to net-zero emissions" by 2050.
No more 'Greenhush': Sir Ian Cheshire urges business to get vocal on sustainability
The chairman of Barclays UK and Debenhams had suggested that the business community has a "moral imperative" to deliver and communicate real change that brings in new business models to alleviate key climate concerns.
Report: UK leading G20 in low-carbon transition
The UK is leading the rest of the G20 nations in transitioning towards a low-carbon future by decoupling emissions from economic growth, although global decarbonisation rates aren't currently strong enough to meet the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
World 'nowhere near on track' to avoid warming beyond 1.5C target
The world's governments are "nowhere near on track" to meet their commitment to avoid global warming of more than 1.5C above the pre-industrial period, according to an author of a key UN report that will outline the dangers of breaching this limit.
UK commits to Carbon Neutrality Coalition to deliver net-zero emissions
Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed that the UK will be joining 18 other countries that have committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 at the earliest, while also setting aside £160m to help developing nations transition to cleaner energy systems.
EU must end new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 to meet climate targets - report
New petrol and diesel car sales in Europe must be phased out before 2030 if the auto sector is to play its part in holding global warming to the Paris agreement's 1.5C goal, a new analysis has found.
Global Climate Action Summit: Lack of government climate ambition balanced by non-state action
San Francisco's Global Climate Action Summit ended on 14 September with non-state actors sending a call to action to governments ahead of the crucial COP24 in December, while highlighting their pivotal role in reducing emissions and reaching climate targets.
ING to align £450bn investment portfolio with Paris Agreement goals
ING has revealed that it will work with the companies covered by its £456m ($600bn) green investment portfolio to help align their respective sustainability strategies with the aims of the Paris Agreement.
Science-based targets driving corporate climate commitments to new heights
More than 130 corporates have committed to set science-based emissions reduction targets in line with the 2C trajectory outlined in the Paris Agreement this year, covering one-eighth of total market capitalisation.
The Climate Coach: Transport
It will take you twenty minutes to get there - depending on traffic. Not an unusual statement wherever you live. People design cities and communities and yet often it is people that seem to be least considered as most of the space for movement is taken up by cars, vans and lorries. Pedestrians are pushed to the side and cyclists must brave traffic with a risk for their lives.
Future gazing the role of the sustainability profession
It's a tricky thing, predicting the future. So, before looking forward let us reflect upon on what changes we've seen in the CRS profession over the last 20 years. There's no doubt we are a profession that is growing in maturity, and yet still evolving.
Emissions commitments from business and authorities 'insufficient’ to meet Paris goals
Even if the 2,175 companies and 8,419 cities, states and regions to have made emission-cutting commitments achieve their pledges in full, the result will not be sufficient to realise a 2C trajectory in line with the Paris Agreement.
Report: EU carbon prices could hit €40 over next five years
European Union (EU) carbon prices could more than double to €40 per tonne between 2019 and 2023, spurring the transition away from coal power across the bloc.
Ball Corporation commits to science-based targets tackling supply chain emissions
Global packaging firm Ball Corporation has set new science-based targets within the company's direct operations and across its supply chain to reduce its emissions intensity by 58% by 2030.
edie at 20: Despite the idiocy that is Brexit, we can do it
For edie's 20th anniversary, prominent environmental peer Lord Deben reflects on green policy, Brexit, carbon budgets and flat-earthers.
Earth Overshoot Day: How businesses can 'move the date' to create a sustainable future
Today (1 August) marks Earth Overshoot Day, the date when humanity consumes more from nature than the planet can renew in a year. The urgent need to "move to the date" back is clear and edie explains how businesses can help by reinvigorating approaches to corporate sustainability.
More than 100 MPs back calls for net-zero emissions target
More than 100 MPs have now signed a letter calling on Prime Minister Theresa May to establish a net-zero emissions target for 2050.
edie at 20: How did sustainability become so business-critical?
edie's 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand is an ideal opportunity to remind ourselves of the past two decades of corporate sustainability, which have seen it evolve from an environmental add-on to a fundamental aspect of growth.
What's the business case for climate science?
Let's be honest, the transition to a low carbon economy is going to require some difficult and far-reaching change from most companies and sectors. But emerging leadership from the corporate world is showing that remodelling business strategies around climate science is already driving innovation, growth and other business benefits.
Aldi exploring emissions reduction goal aligned to Paris Agreement
The UK's fastest growing supermarket Aldi will align its future sustainability strategy "well below" the 2C target set by the Paris Agreement, the company's international managing director of corporate responsibility, Sven van den Boomen, has claimed.
China, EU reaffirm Paris climate commitment, vow more cooperation
China and the European Union on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris climate change pact and called other signatories to do the same, saying action against rising global temperatures had become more important than ever.
The Climate Coach: Renewable Energy
I have a dream, of a society where children play safely outside in green, common areas, where there are no cars. People travel to work in electric powered trains, buses and through electric car share. They walk and cycle to school, to the local shop and to meet friends. A dream where renewable energy sources provide all the power we need - for heating, electricity and transport - in businesses as well as in homes.
Molson Coors gets stamp of approval for science-based target
Multinational brewer Molson Coors has had its target of halving greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations by 2025 approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Ireland becomes world's first country to divest from fossil fuels
The Republic of Ireland will become the world's first country to sell off its investments in fossil fuel companies, after a bill was passed with all-party support in the lower house of parliament.
Mayors urge EU to aim for net-zero emissions by 2050
The mayors of ten major European cities -including Paris, London, Milan and Barcelona - have issued a joint call for the EU to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.
UK among nations to pledge stronger climate ambition
The UK has joined 22 other countries in signing a pledge to explore the potential to step up their climate commitments before 2020 and calling for other nations to do the same.
EU countries 'off target' on carbon emissions: report
Most European nations are set to miss their carbon reduction pledges made as part of the Paris Agreement, according to a new ranking of "good", "bad" and "ugly" countries published today (18 June) by Europe's leading NGO coalition on climate change.
Ikea gets stamp of approval for 80% science-based emissions target
The Ikea Group has had its target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its stores and operations by 80% by 2030 approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
It's time we embrace the fierce urgency of now
Jonathon Porritt recently provided the foreword to edie's flagship 2018 report for the Mission Possible campaign, which explores how businesses are scaling up effort and innovation across all areas of development to achieve a sustainable future.
Businesses, NGOs make joint plea for higher EU ambition on climate change
A unique coalition of businesses and investors representing over €21 trillion in assets have joined forces with local authorities and civil society groups to urge EU leaders to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy in order to keep global warming below 2°C.
Paris Agreement ‘G6’ formed as Trump skips climate meetings
As the G7 summit in Canada came to a close, leaders of the so-called "G6" nations reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, while President Trump asserted that the US would instead prioritise energy security and economic growth over carbon reductions.
Ikea to ban single-use plastics, targets 'climate-positive' status under new strategy
Removing all single-use plastics products from its range globally, eliminating more greenhouse gas emissions than its value chain emits, and generating more renewables than it consumes are all headline goals of Ikea's updated People and Planet Positive strategy.
World Green Building Council calls for net-zero building sector by 2030
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has called on the built environment sector to set ambitious targets that eliminate carbon emissions for building portfolios by 2030, in order to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement.
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