News & Views

This week’s ESG highlights reflect growing accountability and innovation in sustainability. Airlines pledge to curb greenwashing after EU scrutiny, while HSBC reinforces its net-zero goals. IKEA launches a major forest restoration project, Morocco commits to ending coal power by 2040, and Shell and Mitsubishi invest in carbon capture startup Avnos—signalling progress toward a more transparent, low-carbon global economy.

Global climate action gained momentum this week as Microsoft signed a major carbon-removal deal, Heineken unveiled a renewable heat project in Portugal, and Google expanded its clean-energy investments. Meta boosted its solar portfolio in Texas, while Brazil cut Amazon deforestation to an 11-year low — a strong signal of progress ahead of COP30.

lobal decarbonisation efforts gained pace this week as Microsoft and Amazon advanced major renewable energy deals, Barclays backed innovative carbon removal, and Germany launched a €7 billion industrial emissions plan. ESG data firm Diginex also expanded its sustainability intelligence through the acquisition of Matter, highlighting growing demand for transparent climate reporting.

In this week’s ESG in 5, Microsoft takes the lead with two major sustainability deals—boosting sustainable aviation fuel and carbon removal efforts. Viking Cruises unveils plans for the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, and TotalEnergies expands its global renewable energy footprint with acquisitions across Europe, Africa, and Canada. Stay informed with the latest ESG and sustainability news highlights.

In this week’s ESG in 5, market challenges continue with the MSCI ACWI Universal down -0.54%. Meanwhile, major players push ahead on sustainability—Meta inks a 10-year carbon removal deal, Kleenex shifts to 100% renewable energy, Airbus recommits to hydrogen aircraft, and energy giants expand Norway’s carbon storage.

ESG in focus: Markets dip, but sustainability advances with LEGO’s recycled tyres, United’s carbon removal, LFC offsets & Mars’ green jars.