ESG in 5 Sustainability News - 18-11-2025
- Eloise Bell
- Nov 18
- 2 min read
ESG developments this week highlight major strides in corporate sustainability, clean energy expansion and biodiversity protection. Global firms are scaling investment in low-emission infrastructure, advancing nature-based resource stewardship and accelerating the energy transition, while scientists deliver a rare breakthrough in marine conservation. Together, these updates underscore the growing momentum behind climate and environmental action across sectors.
Amazon launches water-restoration projects.
Amazon has announced four new global water-replenishment projects across the US, US, and Mexico that aim to restore more than 2 billion litres of water each year through nature-based solutions like wetland and forest restoration. Combined with its existing portfolio, Amazon’s nature-focused water initiatives now target over 11 billion litres annually. The move supports Amazon’s target to become water-positive in its data-centre operations by 2030, returning more water to the environment and communities than it consumes.
TotalEnergies to Double Electricity Output.
TotalEnergies has agreed to acquire a 50% stake in EPH’s flexible power-generation portfolio in a $5.9 billion all-stock deal, adding 14 GW of gas-fired, biomass, and battery-storage assets across Europe. The move will roughly double the company’s annual electricity production to around 30 TWh, accelerating its shift toward becoming an integrated power provider. The portfolio includes 19 gas plants, 4 biomass facilities, 7 battery sites, and 5 GW of development projects. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026 pending regulatory approval.
Breakthrough Sighting of Rare Ginkgo-toothed Beaked Whale.
A recent breakthrough in marine science has shed light on one of the ocean’s most elusive inhabitants, the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale. Researchers have for the first time obtained live genetic samples and acoustic data confirming its unique echolocation pulse linking sightings, sounds and DNA of this deep-diving species.
This progress is more than an academic milestone, it opens the door to monitoring and protecting a species about which almost nothing was known, improving our ability to map ocean biodiversity, assess noise and fishing-gear risks, and measure ecosystem health in remote waters.
DHL Invests €1B in Low-Emission Logistics.
DHL Group has announced an investment of around €1 billion (≈US$1.15 billion) in India by 2030, aligning with its “Strategy 2030 – Accelerated Sustainable Growth” plan. The multi-year programme will span life sciences, e-commerce, new energy, digitalisation and build low-emission logistics infrastructure including EV and battery logistics centres in Chennai and Mumbai, India’s largest low-emission ground hub for Blue Dart in Haryana, and the first health-logistics hub in Bhiwandi. The investment reinforces DHL’s commitment to fleet electrification, clean energy use and sustainable logistics.
Ørsted Completes Full Green Transition.
Ørsted has announced it has completed its shift from fossil fuels to renewables, achieving a 98% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its 2006 baseline and reaching 99% renewable energy across operations. The Danish utility closed its final coal plant in 2024 and fully exited oil and gas, meeting its 2025 science-based targets ahead of time. The company will now focus on reducing its value-chain (Scope 3) emissions as it advances toward a 2040 net-zero goal.
