News & Views

This week’s ESG updates spotlight global progress in sustainable packaging, carbon-removal technology, supply-chain decarbonisation and water stewardship, alongside Vietnam’s rise as a key green-transition hub in Asia.

Global ESG momentum accelerated this week, with Germany committing $1.15B to Brazil’s rainforest fund, Singapore and Malawi advancing Article 6 carbon-market cooperation, and sustainable funds surging 50% since 2023. A major 505MW solar deal for Meta underscored corporate clean-energy demand, while the EU proposed new fund categories to strengthen sustainable-finance integrity and support climate-transition goals.

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.

Renewable energy has surpassed coal globally for the first time, marking a major milestone in the clean energy transition. Across sectors, companies are accelerating climate action—from Siemens and Airbus decarbonising UK sites to Google launching carbon reporting for advertisers. Meanwhile, sport and business partnerships, including Liverpool FC, Real Betis, Mars, and Cargill, are embedding sustainability into their core operations.

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.