GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS AND INSIGHTS
TRUSTED SUSTAINABILITY SCIENTISTS
CLIMATE ACTION
UK Ends Coal Power Supply
In a landmark achievement for climate action, the UK became the first G7 nation to completely phase out coal power after 140 years . Ratcliffe-on-Soar coal plant—the last remaining coal-fired power station— closed its doors in September 2024 bringing an end to over 140 years of coal power.
ICJ Begins Hearings on Climate Obligation
Starting December, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is conducting landmark hearings to determine the legal obligations of states regarding climate change. This advisory opinion, requested by the United Nations and spearheaded by Pacific Island nations like Vanuatu, addresses states’ responsibilities to protect the climate system and the consequences of failing to act. The court’s opinion will be delivered in 2025.
The UK-based trade association Food and Drink Federation (FDF) introduced its “Ambition 2030” strategy , with plans to help over 100 member businesses within the food and beverage sector address climate and nature challenges. The strategy includes targets to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040, beginning with baseline measurements of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and working toward supplier alignment and product-level emissions data.
The Meteorological Office, the UK’s national weather service, launched a Local Authority Climate Service , designed to provide local councils across the UK with tailored climate change data .
GLOBAL WARMING
2024 Declared Hottest Year Ever
Research from the European Copernicus Climate Change Service showed that for the first time, global temperatures are set to surpass the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels for an entire calendar year. While this breach is symbolic—given the Paris Agreement’s focus on long-term averages—it serves as a stark reminder of the urgency for decisive climate action.
Investment in Carbon Capture Soars
The Global CCS Institute reports that 2024 saw a record-breaking 628 carbon capture and storage project in the pipeline across various countries and industries, a 60% year on year increase.
100 Mtpa
BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENT
Migratory Animals Face Extinction Risk
The UN Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) reports that over 20% of the world’s migrating species face extinction from climate change and human encroachment. Living Planet Index support these findings.
show population declines of CMS-Listed Fish are Endangered of Key Biodiversity areas are important for CMS Listed Animals
DEFRA Introduces Water Restoration Fund
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced a Water Restoration Fund in April to help tackle water pollution. This scheme aims to enhance water quality and ecosystems by providing grants for environmental and community projects.
£11 million
£11 million in fines and penalties to be reinvested in fund
River Flows Hit All Time Lows
A 2024 report by the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) showed that river flows around the world hit all-time lows in the year before. Major river basins, including the Mississippi and the Amazon, experienced significant water shortages, while around 50% of global catchment areas reported abnormal conditions , leading to reduced water availability for agriculture and industry. This crisis is exacerbated by climate change, which is causing erratic water cycles and increased evaporation.
600 gigatonnes
600 gigatonnes of water lost from glaciers
RENEWABLE ENERGY
China Surpasses Renewable Energy Target Six Years Early
As of August 2024, China has surpassed its 2030 renewable energy target six years early, reaching 1,206 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity, according to the state-run National Energy Administration. Despite this progress in renewables, China remains heavily reliant on coal power, with over 41 GW of new coal plants under construction in the first half of 2024 alone, representing over 90% of global coal capacity additions.
$676 billion
Invested in Energy Transition in 2023
Britain’s Vehicle Market Report Record-breaking EV Adoption
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that as of December 2024, EVs account for more than 20% of overall car sales in the UK with BEVs alone accounting for 18.7% compared to 16.3% last year. This growth is attributed to increased fleet uptake and continued expansion in BEV model availability. On the other hand, petrol and diesel cars saw a decline compared to 2023.
UK Extends Business Tax Break Scheme for Energy Efficiency Projects
The UK government announced an extension of its tax break scheme, aimed at supporting businesses that invest in energy efficiency and eco-friendly projects. Initially set to expire in 2025, the scheme, which offers support worth £310m annually, will now run until 2030, encouraging businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and align with the nation’s sustainability goals.