ESG in 5 Sustainability News - 11-11-2025
- Eloise Bell
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
This week’s ESG highlights showcase significant global momentum toward greater accountability and innovation in sustainability. From airlines pledging to curb greenwashing and financial institutions strengthening net-zero commitments, to new partnerships advancing nature-based solutions and clean-energy transitions, companies and governments alike are taking tangible steps toward a low-carbon future. Meanwhile, fresh investments in carbon removal technologies underscore the growing intersection of climate action and technological advancement.
Airlines Commit to Change Environmental Claims.
Major European airlines including Air France–KLM, Lufthansa, and Ryanair have agreed to amend or remove misleading environmental marketing claims following an EU probe into “greenwashing.” The European Commission and national consumer authorities found that terms such as “carbon-neutral” and “sustainable flights” gave a false impression of climate performance. Carriers have pledged to ensure future communications are clear, evidence-based, and backed by verifiable data on emissions and offsets.
HSBC Reaffirms Commitment to Net-Zero by 2050.
HSBC has reiterated its commitment to achieving net-zero financed emissions by 2050, aligning its strategy with the Paris Agreement and science-based targets. The bank said it will expand transition-finance activities, deepen client engagement on decarbonisation pathways, and invest in renewable-energy and nature-based solutions. HSBC emphasised that collaboration with customers and regulators is key to reaching its long-term climate goals.
IKEA Launches Forest Protection and Restoration Project.
IKEA’s investment arm, Ingka Investments, has partnered with BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG) to launch a large-scale forest restoration and protection programme in Latin America. The project aims to conserve biodiverse forests, restore degraded land, and promote sustainable timber production across hundreds of thousands of hectares. It aligns with IKEA’s goal to become climate-positive by 2030 and reinforces its commitment to responsible land management and carbon removal through nature-based solutions.
Morocco Sets 2040 Deadline to End Coal Power.
Morocco has announced plans to phase out coal-fired power generation entirely by 2040 as part of a new national energy strategy focused on expanding solar, wind, and green hydrogen. The country aims to increase renewables’ share of installed capacity to over 70% by 2035, building on its reputation as a regional clean-energy leader. The strategy includes major investments in grid infrastructure and public-private partnerships to boost export potential and energy security.
Shell & Mitsubishi Invest $17M in Hybrid Direct Air Capture Startup Avnos.
Shell and Mitsubishi Corporation have invested $17 million in U.S. climate tech firm Avnos, which is developing a hybrid direct air capture (HDAC) system that removes CO₂ while also capturing fresh water from the air. The funding will accelerate deployment of Avnos’s pilot projects in the U.S. and Europe, supporting both companies’ decarbonisation and technology-innovation goals. The HDAC process is designed to operate without heat or added water, lowering costs and environmental impact compared to conventional DAC systems.
