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Clever.

Clever.

Clever.

ESG in 5 Sustainability News - 06-01-2026

  • Writer: Eloise Bell
    Eloise Bell
  • Jan 6
  • 2 min read

As the first ESG in 5 of the year, this week’s update sets the tone for 2026 by highlighting practical progress across energy, food systems, transport, finance and retail. From digital infrastructure powering the energy transition to policy-backed emissions cuts and green finance in emerging markets, these stories show momentum building behind real-world solutions. Together, they point to a year where execution and scale matter more than ambition alone.



Octopus Energy’s $1bn bet shows digital tech driving the energy transition.


The EU has agreed a legally binding target to cut net greenhouse-gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels, marking a major waypoint on its path to climate neutrality by 2050. The deal includes limited flexibility, allowing up to 5% of the reductions to be met through international carbon credits, while maintaining the bulk of action within the bloc. As part of the compromise, the EU also agreed to delay the rollout of the new carbon price on fuels and heating (ETS2) to 2028, after pushback from member states concerned about cost impacts.



Vietnam’s low-emission rice programme cuts methane while protecting farmers.


Vietnam has certified 71,000 tonnes of low-emission rice under its national green farming programme, marking concrete progress in reducing methane emissions from agriculture. The initiative promotes improved water management and climate-smart farming techniques that lower emissions without sacrificing yields. Agriculture remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, making scalable, policy-backed solutions particularly valuable. Vietnam’s approach demonstrates how climate action in food systems can deliver environmental gains while supporting rural livelihoods and export competitiveness.



Norway’s EV transition pushes fossil-fuel cars to the margins.


Electric vehicles now account for nearly all new car sales in Norway in 2025, cementing the country’s position as the global leader in transport electrification. Long-term policy consistency, strong incentives and extensive charging infrastructure have driven widespread consumer adoption. The shift is delivering lower emissions, cleaner air and reduced dependence on oil. Norway’s experience shows how aligned policy and infrastructure investment can rapidly decarbonise road transport and reshape national mobility systems.



Morrisons extends net zero across its entire retail value chain.


Morrisons has expanded its net-zero commitment to cover its full value chain, bringing Scope 3 emissions firmly into focus. By engaging suppliers across agriculture, manufacturing and logistics, the retailer is targeting the most challenging sources of its carbon footprint. The move reflects a wider shift in corporate climate strategy toward collaboration and transparency beyond direct operations. Morrisons’ decision highlights how retailers can use their influence to drive meaningful emissions reductions across complex supply chains.



Egypt’s green bond programme unlocks $750m for climate action.


Egypt has mobilised $750 million through green bond financing to support projects under its Climate Strategy 2050, channelling capital into clean energy, sustainable transport and climate resilience. The issuance signals rising investor appetite for credible green investments in emerging markets. By aligning national climate goals with capital-market instruments, Egypt is strengthening its ability to fund long-term transition priorities and accelerate sustainable development.



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