Category Archives: Climate

Climate, Climate Action, Conservation, Sustainability

Atos and WWF partner up to leverage technology to support biodiversity conservation

Atos and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have announced a 3-year strategic partnership to leverage technology to support biodiversity conservation and to encourage businesses to decarbonize. This comprehensive partnership has been designed to tackle three key priorities – business transformation, financing and influence – which are essential to effectively tackle the current biodiversity crisis.

As part of the partnership, four main initiatives are being rolled out, leveraging the expertise of Atos and WWF teams from all over the world.

 

Atos to develop responsible IT solutions for WWF and its partners

Atos and WWF have defined the following projects by which conservation organizations and other stakeholders could benefit from Atos’ technological expertise.

  • Automating biodiversity surveillance – The first project aims to bring automation to the monitoring of important ecosystems. Atos experts are working to combine the use of artificial intelligence to analyze satellite imagery with the development of algorithms which identify patterns over a given time period in order to identify irregular trends which might indicate a negative biodiversity impact. In the future, organizations will not only be able to identify the areas of greatest concern, but also benefit from predictive solutions for nature conservation. The first pilot, currently being developed, will analyze grasslands and savannahs in East Africa.

 

  • Predicting & preventing epidemic risk – The second project focuses on predicting hotspots of emergence for  zoonoses – diseases that jump between      species, including humans. Atos teams are developing machine learning algorithms to analyze demographic, environmental, animal health and pathogen data, in order to identify patterns and predict the risk of new diseases. These solutions will complement existing surveillance systems by providing predictive data, to help governments and organizations anticipate and take preventive actions before the threat of an epidemic becomes a reality. A pilot is being developed to analyze data available in the Mekong basin.

 

  • Improving tech tools – The third project aims at improving an existing solution known as SMART – a Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool – which is already used by 50,000 agents in 80 countries to support wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Atos experts are developing a streamlined, more efficient process with SMART’s IT team, to enhance its usability in the field. In addition, they are developing improved dashboards and visualization options to give users greater and more granular insight into their data. They are also enhancing SMART with a tool to support users working to shift ‘conflict to coexistence’, that is, holistically manage conflicts between humans and wildlife to create mutual benefits of coexistence.

 

Atos and WWF to help advance decarbonization initiatives for industries

Atos and WWF have envisioned to analyze every year, an industry which has a significant carbon footprint, to identify its main decarbonization levers and provide recommendations to accelerate their decarbonization efforts. The first report focuses on shipping, which accounted for around 80% of global trade by volume in 2022, and is responsible for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions*.

Since the publication of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee’s new greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy in July 2023, Atos and WWF teams have compiled the literature devoted to the decarbonization of shipping into a comprehensive report. They found that most research focuses on new fuels and ship design, initiatives that could take a long time to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions. In order to provide sustainability leaders with a clear and more achievable mid-term roadmap, the research focuses on energy efficiency, operational levers and concrete use cases where digital technology can help the shipping industry decarbonize its operations.

 

Atos to support on-site WWF France biodiversity projects

As part of the partnership, Atos supports two carbon capture and restoration projects managed by WWF France:

  • the Posidonia project, which aims to protect the meadows of Posidonia, a plant noticeable by its extensive capacity to stock carbon, in the Mediterranean region (mainly Turkey, Greece, France and Tunisia),
  • the Nature Impact project for the conservation or restoration of forest biodiversity in France, using the approach developed by WWF based on Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES).

 

Atos and WWF to encourage employee involvement in sustainability projects driven by WWF

Many of Atos employees are already regularly involved in volunteer work and environmental preservation. Atos and WWF aim to facilitate and encourage their commitment with a dedicated program that will integrate onsite and digital volunteering opportunities in one platform compliant with CSR reporting frameworks. The first engagement programs for Atos employees will be launched in pilot countries in 2024.

 

Kirsten Schuijt, Director General WWF, said “The devastating impacts of climate change and nature loss are felt everywhere. This dual crisis requires urgent, innovative and scalable solutions. Technology, if channeled in the right way, has the enormous potential to help address some of the pressing challenges we face today. We’re excited about this new partnership with Atos as it will enable us to collaborate on advancing much-needed technological tools to support our efforts to stop and reverse nature loss at a policy level and in the field.”

 

Véronique Andrieux, CEO WWF France, said “We are very excited to announce our partnership with Atos, which is already delivering results on optimizing and increasing the reach of some of WWF’s conservation projects. Helping us better identify changes in the habitats of Key Biodiversity Areas or modernizing some of the data collection and analysis tools used by our wildlife conservation teams are some of the outcomes already achieved by our common work. Our partnership with Atos represents a significant step forward, enabling us to harness technology for helping deliver our conservation objectives.”

 

Nourdine Bihmane, Deputy CEO Atos and CEO Tech Foundations, said “We are excited to announce this strategic partnership with WWF which is in line with our respective ambitions and expertise. Atos has been committed for over 12 years to decarbonize its own operations as well as accompany its customers in their own efforts. I am extremely proud that our technological expertise is being put to work to accelerate decarbonization strategies and support WWF’s conservation practices and biodiversity projects worldwide.”

 

The Atos Group has been committed to minimize the environmental impact of its activities across the value chain worldwide for over 12 years. Atos’ main ambitions are to fully contribute to a more decarbonized and sustainable world by reducing and offsetting its own carbon emissions and to promote digital solutions that support its supply chain and clients in their own decarbonization journeys. The partnership with WWF, run by the Tech Foundations business line, is fully aligned with these objectives.

The Atos Group has been a member of both the 2022 Dow Jones Sustainability Index World and Europe for 8 years, and ranks among the first 3 European companies in the IT services sector. Atos has been listed A for more than 10 years by the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), which rewards actions to fight global warming.

 

* Source : https://sciencebasedtargets.org/news/sbti-launches-world-first-roadmap-for-net-zero-shipping-by-2040

Business Advice, Climate, Energy, News

CoAlternatives – What are the Realistic Options for Replacing Coal in Energy Production?

Coal has been our primary fuel for generations – it’s time to look at CoAlternatives

The drive to reduce global carbon emissions has put the spotlight on one of the world’s oldest and most prevalent energy sources: coal. As the primary fuel for electricity generation in many parts of the world, coal’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is considerable. Recognizing this, nations, industries, and communities have sought sustainable and efficient ‘coalternatives’. Let’s delve into the most promising options for coal replacement.

 

  1. Natural Gas: The Bridge Fuel

Natural gas emits about half the CO2 compared to coal when burned, making it a favourable short-term alternative. The development of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) has made vast reserves of natural gas accessible. However, there are concerns. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is itself a potent greenhouse gas. Accidental leaks in extraction and transportation can offset some of the climatic benefits. Nevertheless, in the transition away from coal, natural gas serves as a “bridge” before fully renewable sources can dominate the energy landscape.

 

  1. Bioenergy and Black Pellets

Using organic materials, like plant matter and waste, can produce both electricity and fuels.  Unlike fossil fuels, organic sources offer a more sustainable cycle of energy production, with plants absorbing CO2 during growth.

Black pellets are an example of an innovative biomass energy source, that genuinely offers a sustainable alternative to coal.

CoAlternative Energy Ltd (CAE) is an English cleantech company that produces industrially environmentally friendly black pellets (CAE Green Energy Pellets) to replace fossil fuels.

Produced by a steam explosion technology, used in the paper and pulp industry for 150 years and commercially proven with plants operating in Europe, these pellets have a much higher energy density and are water resistant and are the next generation improvement on the current industry standard being traditional white pellets. Furthermore, a coal fired power plant wishing to convert to white pellets requires them to make a circa $150-$200 million capex whereas conversion to black pellets requires no capex investment. Environmentally, the adoption of black pellets reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, and the source of the material is fire damaged and diseased forests.  CAE plans to produce 360,000 tonnes of pellets per year.

When burned, black pellets release the carbon absorbed by plants during their growth, creating a relatively balanced carbon cycle, a circa 95% reduction in carbon released by coal. Their production also encourages responsible forestry, promoting ecosystem health. As global energy needs surge, incorporating black pellets can bridge the gap between environmental responsibility and energy demands, taking a step toward a greener future.

 

  1. Nuclear Energy: Massive Potential, Significant Concerns

Nuclear energy offers tremendous power with nearly zero emissions. Its capability to provide continuous electricity (base-load power) rivals that of coal plants. But, nuclear has its set of challenges. The aftermaths of Chernobyl and Fukushima have highlighted the potential risks. Moreover, disposing of radioactive waste and the threats of nuclear proliferation remain unresolved issues. Still, with newer and safer reactor technologies emerging, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear remains a contender in the post-coal world.

 

  1. Wind Power: Harnessing the Breezes

Wind energy has witnessed a remarkable growth curve. Advancements in turbine technology and falling costs have made it a leading renewable source. In regions with consistent wind, large wind farms are churning out significant electricity, often at costs competitive with or lower than fossil fuels. Its intermittency, dependent on when the wind blows, can be a drawback. But as energy storage solutions improve, so will the reliability of wind energy.

 

  1. Solar Energy: The Power of the Sun

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight directly to electricity, have revolutionized our energy landscape. As with wind, technological advancements and economies of scale have led to rapidly declining costs for solar installations. Solar farms, rooftop installations, and even portable solar solutions are helping wean us off coal. However, solar energy’s intermittent nature, relying on sunlight, requires advances in energy storage for consistent supply.

 

  1. Hydroelectric Power: Rivers at Work

Traditionally a significant power source, hydroelectric dams use flowing water to generate electricity. While not new, hydroelectric power remains a top renewable source. When designed with ecological considerations, they can offer substantial power with minimal emissions. Pumped-storage hydroelectricity, which uses two water reservoirs at different elevations, can act both as a power generator and a massive battery, addressing intermittency issues of other renewables.

 

  1. Emerging Technologies: From Waves to Atoms

Beyond the better-known alternatives, several emerging technologies hold promise:

Wave and Tidal Energy: Extracting power from ocean waves and tides is still in the nascent stages but holds vast potential. As technology matures, the oceans could be significant powerhouses.

Geothermal Energy: Harnessing heat from beneath the Earth’s surface provides a continuous, stable power source. Regions with significant volcanic or tectonic activity are especially promising for geothermal energy.

Fusion: Often dubbed the “holy grail” of energy, nuclear fusion mimics the sun’s process. If commercialized, fusion could provide nearly limitless, clean power. While still experimental, progress in fusion research is noteworthy

 

Conclusion

The movement away from coal for energy production is both a challenge and an opportunity. While coal’s legacy as an energy stalwart is undeniable, the environmental costs of continuing to burn it are too significant to ignore.

As we transition to a sustainable energy future, a mix of the above solutions, tailored to regional needs and resources, will light our way forward. The key is innovation, collaboration, and global commitment. The end of the coal era doesn’t signal the end of energy abundance; instead, it heralds a new dawn of diverse, sustainable, and responsible energy choices.

To learn more about CoAlternatives, visit our website: https://www.coalternative-energy.eu/en-gb

Climate, Events, News, Sustainability

Online roundtable discussions will address the region’s most pressing climate issues

A series of roundtable panel discussions focussed on the green economy in South and West Wales take place online during the coming weeks. The events form part of the build-up to the inaugural Regional Green Economy Conference and Exhibition, which will be held at Swansea Arena on Wednesday November 22.

The discussions will be held on Zoom and are open to all. Each event will feature key thought leaders on the chosen topic and will include a Q&A session so that all participants can get involved and raise points of interest to them.

The roundtables are:

 

Materials Roundtable

Wednesday, September 20

 

Transport Roundtable

Wednesday, October 11

 

Innovation Roundtable

Wednesday, October 18

 

Nature & Biodiversity Roundtable

Wednesday, October 25

 

Food Roundtable

Wednesday, November 1

 

The panel discussions are being organised by 4theRegion, a membership alliance working to bring about positive change in the region. 4theRegion is also the organiser of the new Green Economy Conference and Exhibition, the first event of its kind in South Wales.

Delivered in partnership with headline sponsor CEIC and event partners Swansea Council, Neath Port Talbot Council, Celtic Freeport and GreenEconomy.Wales, the Conference and Exhibition will be held at Swansea Arena on Wednesday, November 22.

It aims to unite businesses and organisations from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to share knowledge and create initiatives for a resilient future.

The conference and roundtable programme build on the success of the Swansea Conference and Exhibition, which took place in March this year, and Swansea’s Green Recovery Conference, which was held in June 2022.

 

4theRegion founder and chair Dawn Lyle said:

“This new series of roundtables will unite thought leaders and experts from across our region to discuss a range of topics that are the key drivers for a green economy. The aim is to explore the most important talking points and regional developments and whet people’s appetites for the main event – the Regional Green Economy Conference and Exhibition.

“These roundtables will provide a platform for as many people as possible to get involved in conversations to shape the future of our region. Everyone is welcome to attend: local businesses, people from community groups and organisations across South and West Wales, members of the public – anyone with an interest in strengthening our green economy.  Just pick the topics that are of most interest to you, and sign up online.”

 

You can register for the roundtable events and the conference on the link above. The roundtables and the conference are free to attend.

 

Climate, Climate Action, Motor Industry, News, Sport, Sustainability

Formula E and UNICEF set to auction unique sculpture made from broken race car parts, raising funds for climate emergency

  • Unique sculpture made from Formula E racing car parts will be auctioned to benefit children’s organisation’s climate programmes.
  • ‘Children’s Planet’ installation, created from previously used parts from Formula E race cars in Season 8, represents impact of climate change on young people.
  • Formula E is the first global sports organisation to partner with UNICEF’s global climate fund and nears target of benefitting 3 million children and young people in three years.
  • UNICEF’s climate programmes, as part of the Safe and Healthy Environment Fund, target those most affected by and at risk of climate change impacts.

A unique sculpture made from previously used Formula E race car parts is set to be auctioned by the partners. The installation was created to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on young people. 

Entitled Children’s Planet, the stunning piece measuring 2.5m in diameter was designed and made by British sculptor, Charles Elliot, using parts of the Formula E GEN2 race cars used in Season 8. It was unveiled at Formula E’s London E-Prix finale of Season 9 in the Championship.

Broken and damaged parts were gifted by all 11 Formula E teams as part of the Formula E Teams Manufacturing Association, with their reuse highlighting the importance of circularity in manufacturing and the teams’ collective support for the championship’s partner, UNICEF.

Formula E, the world’s first sport to be certified net zero carbon since inception, was the first international sports organisation to partner with UNICEF to tackle climate change through the support of its Safe and Healthy Environment Fund.

The money raised from the auction will directly contribute to the climate fund which helps create a planet where every child can live in a safe, clean and sustainable environment through providing educational and healthcare schemes that directly benefit those most affected by climate change.

The sculpture depicts an incomplete globe with 11 child-like figures in the centre, representing all teams of the championship while aiming to raise awareness of children and young people being disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change. By positioning them in the centre, the sculpture also highlights the leading role that children and young people play as powerful agents for change.

Since 2021, when Formula E and UNICEF established an innovative partnership, their work has benefited 2.5 million children and young people, through climate change programmes across the world. In 2022 alone, more than 1.8 million children and young people benefited through the partnership.

 

Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said:

“This stunning creation showcases the collective effort across the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to support UNICEF’s vital work through its Safe and Healthy Environment Fund. As the world’s leading professional sport combining high-performance and sustainability without compromise, we are proud to be the first sport to partner with UNICEF on climate-related issues.”

 

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive, The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said: 

“Children and young people play a key role in addressing climate-related risks by promoting environmentally sustainable lifestyles and setting an example for their communities; they are at the centre of issues arising from climate change. It is wonderful to see Children’s Planet, position children and young people, in their rightful place, at the centre of the globe, to acknowledge them as active agents, taking action against climate change issues. I would like to thank our partner, Formula E, for helping UNICEF create a cleaner, safer environment.”

 

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns in Season 10 with the 2024 Mexico City E-Prix on Saturday, 13 January 2024 and includes a debut Formula E race on the streets of Tokyo on Saturday, 30 March.

Charity & CSR, Climate, Climate Action, News

The past year has brought conflicts and health crises of “outstanding proportions”, warns leading humanitarian expert

Shameet Thakkar, a leading humanitarian aid expert and founder of Unimed Procurement Services, writes of the challenges those working in the sector face – and predicts these challenges will continue deep into 2024:

“Humanitarian aid should be a continued focus in our world. Unfortunately, there’s no end in sight for what the world is experiencing right now – climate change, conflicts, health crises – which means humanitarian aid and relief will continue to be called into action.

“In the last month alone there have been floods in Canada, India, London and South Korea, just to name a few. There are unbelievable heat waves across Europe, as well as harmful wildfires. Amongst other things, climate change is having a huge impact on the day-to-day lives of people.

“The past year has also brought conflicts and health crises of outstanding proportions. Ukraine, Lebanon and Sudan and are just some of the countries whose populations have been struck by unimaginable suffering.

“Now, think about the burden on the people affected – humanitarian aid and relief organisations are being called into action all the time to provide essential assistance. It’s therefore crucial that they can continue to be available to respond to emergencies.

“In turn, this means that supporting those organisations should be our priority. There isn’t a global, cyclical up and down when it comes to humanitarian aid. These organisations never stop working.”

Shameet explains how global economic issues are also impacting the sector:

“It is no secret that the world is experiencing high interest rates, inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, and businesses around the world are finding themselves in a more difficult position.

“But that’s due to markets – and consumer habits – changing. Yet there is no such thing as consumer habits when it comes to humanitarian aid. People can’t forgo shelter, clean water or essential medical products, regardless of interest rates or inflation.”

On the challenges which lie ahead, he predicted: “The world is changing, and yet through it all, humanitarian aid continues to play a crucial role in the development of people’s lives and countries.

“Developing countries just cannot provide enough support to their citizens, meaning there is a gap – international development organisations exist to plug that gap. And if those organisations don’t have enough funding, they won’t be able to provide their services; the consequential impact can be enormous.

“Issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and inflation pale in comparison to what some of the more unfortunate people in the world are experiencing. We have a duty to do everything in our power to support and empower the organisations that are making a difference.”

Shameet also warns that the challenges in this area are likely to last long into next year:

“I also expect these challenges will last long and deep into 2024. That’s why we need to make plans right now to ensure we have effective strategies in place for the new demands everyone working in this field faces.”

 

Climate, News, Renewable Energy News

Engenera and Costco forge dynamic solar partnership in new collaborative venture

Engenera Renewables Group, a leader in the UK’s renewable energy landscape, and Costco Wholesale, the operator of global network of membership-based retail establishments worldwide, have revealed a new partnership. By merging their expertise, these industry frontrunners aim to empower customers in tackling the mounting challenge of rising energy costs by embracing solar power, offering innovative and sustainable solutions for a changing world.

With energy prices at an all-time high and global warming a growing threat, a growing number of households are exploring investing in solar power. Thanks to this new partnership, Costco is now able to make bespoke solar PV systems, sold with a full warranty, available to its members.

Members will benefit from the excellent customer service and quality assurance offered by both Costco and Engenera, as well as the guaranteed lower prices it offers members. All systems will exclusively be designed and installed by Engenera Renewables, a company with a long track record in delivering renewable energy solutions. All systems will feature fully calibrated high energy-yielding solar panels, a 5.4kW Huawei battery and a smart energy inverter. Customers will also benefit from a Smart Home App that helps to track performance and clearly displays generation and consumption data.

The partnership represents a move back into the domestic market for Engenera, which, on the back of demand driven by government targets, has been focused on the commercial side in recent years working on large projects for blue chip clients such as Nissan. The partnership with Costco, with its reach and customer focus, meant a move back to the domestic market represented a natural step for the company.

Each installation will be designed for optimal performance specific to a building’s roof, along with a complete report on that specific system. All systems are installed by fully qualified engineers then commissioned and tested by an electrical team to ensure it is MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) compliant. Once complete, customers will receive a handover pack with manuals, warranty information and maintenance advice.

Lloyd Lawson, Chief Strategy Officer, said:

“This partnership represents an exciting step for the business, but it is also a natural progression for us on the back of the way the company has developed in recent years. We now have the expertise and capacity to commit to a partnership on this scale and we could not think of a better company than Costco to be working with on this. Underpinning this deal is a commitment from both companies to help people; rising energy costs are putting incredible strain on households. Embracing renewable energy offers a way of reducing bills and offering long-term energy security, while also doing the right thing for the planet in the context of global warming.”

Climate, Climate Action, News

Leading Intelligence Provider Says Lack Of Preparation For Climate Change Is Threat To UK And Global Security

KCS Group Europe Warns Critical Supply Chains At Risk From Extreme Climate Events

KCS Group Europe (KCSGE) says a failure to prepare for the full impact of climate change in the UK is a risk to national security, and the government is underestimating the global security threat caused by it.

The House of Commons Committee on Climate Change (CCC) says it has warned the government repeatedly about poor preparation for extreme climate events and the risks that emanate from that.

The government’s National Adaptation Programme is due to be published later this year and the CCC warns it is “make or break”.

 

KCSGE CEO Stuart Poole-Robb says: “2022 should act as a warning. With temperatures in England of over 40 degrees Celsius, mortality rose, transport networks were disrupted, drought ruined crops and wildfires endangered lives and properties.

“Government advisers estimate that one fifth of critical supply chains for goods, services and food are vulnerable to climate incidents. If you look at the global picture, the effect is amplified with serious consequences for us all.

“3.6 billion people live in climate change hotspots. Drought, failed crops, food security, destruction to homes and livelihoods and fuel shortages drive migration and instability across the world.”

 

KCS Group Europe has previously highlighted the threat of grain and fertiliser shortages resulting from the war in Ukraine.

Crossbench peer and former national security adviser, Peter Ricketts, argues that restoring the UK government’s cuts to its overseas aid budget would help to limit the shocks to our own food supply. The UK imports 50% of its food from abroad.

 

Poole-Robb says: “The UK government has, so far, failed to put in place a robust strategy which reflects the seriousness of the risks we all face. Ministers need to address this as a matter of urgency.”

 

Climate, Fashion, News, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Four in five UK consumers to boycott apparel brands who fall short in their ESG efforts by 2024

‘Ticking timebomb’ for retailers failing to put social and environmental improvements at the heart of operations

Fashion brands must prioritise an environmental and social agenda in order to survive or risk losing a huge percentage of custom, according to new consumer research* commissioned by e-commerce growth specialists Quickfire Digital and digital performance marketing experts Climbing Trees.

The research identified that four in five UK consumers (81%) will boycott apparel brands who do not prioritise sustainable fashion within the next two years; potentially having a detrimental impact on those brands who do not uphold their social and environmental responsibilities.

Slave labour practices were the top reason for almost half of UK consumers (49%) turning away from brands, followed by wasteful packaging (32%), lack of sustainable materials and fabrics (22%) and not enough variety of sustainable products (21%). Other factors included unsustainable supply chains and delivery options, not demonstrating an approach to carbon off-setting and proactively trying to reduce waste.

To put this in context, George at Asda proudly boasts it is one of the fastest growing online fashion businesses serving over 800,000 customers a week. The business reported revenues of £20.4bn in 2021, yet if the greenwashing claims are confirmed true, this piece of research predicts revenue could be expected to shrink to £3.87bn** by 2025.

 

“These results confirm the conviction of many that businesses’ approach to environmental and social practices needs to become an intrinsic part of boardroom discussions,” says Nathan Lomax, co-founder of Quickfire Digital.,“Consumers are all too familiar with some of the practices within the fashion industry and the impact that fast fashion, in particular, has on the environment. This is a massive wake-up call for apparel brands to get your house in order and make doing the right thing your priority. Or face the alternative of a future without customers.

“Treat your workforce properly – and work only with others who do the same – pay them a decent wage, and offer people what they want: items made from sustainable material and the chance to recycle clothes. The golden rule is always listen and respond to your customers.”

 

Another issue highlighted by the research was about consumer demand to buy from sustainable brands.  Despite increased awareness about the importance of sustainability, the fashion industry’s environmental footprint remains significant. In total, the fashion industry emits about the same quantity of greenhouse gases per year as the economies of France, Germany and the United Kingdom combined, and about 300,000 tonnes of used clothes are burned or buried in landfill each year in the UK.

The research reveals a genuine appetite for UK consumers actively checking to ensure their purchases are sustainable. A quarter of respondents (25%) said they read the clothing labels and / or product description, 23 percent claimed they lean to buying secondhand clothing or renting clothing and a fifth (20%) chose retailers who offer a clothes recycling option.

 

“Despite some brands making improvements to support the demand for being more sustainable, the sad reality is there is still so much more to do,” adds Climbing Trees owner Alex Holliman. “We need better working practices, transparency and more options which allow people to upcycle and recycle their old clothing. Consumers are speaking. It’s time for brands to listen!”

 

For more information about Quickfire Digital, visit https://www.quickfiredigital.com

For more information about Climbing Trees, visit https://www.climbingtrees.com/

 

Quickfire Digital and Climbing Trees have created the Green Fashion report. To find out about what we search for and how our attitude to sustainable fashion is changing, visit: https://www.quickfiredigital.com/the-green-fashion-search-report/

Carbon Reduction, Climate, News, Wales

Action on net zero held back by lack of understanding

  • Fewer than one in 10 SMEs (8%) fully understand what the Government’s 2050 Net Zero target means for them.
  • Despite this, most SMEs (79%) are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their efficiency.
  • There is a huge divide on progress between smaller businesses operating on tight margins and larger SMEs with more resources.

A British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey of more than 1,000 businesses, of which 96% are SMEs, has found that nine out of 10 don’t fully understand what the Government’s target of making the UK net zero by 2050 means for them.

Net zero is a commitment to ensure a balance between greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and those removed from it. Businesses can work towards net zero by reducing the emissions that a company makes directly, indirectly and the emissions associated through its supply chain.

Both the UK and Welsh governments have set targets to achieve net zero by 2050, while the public sector in Wales has a target of 2030. Some larger businesses are also targeting 2030 or interim deadlines ahead of 2050, with SMEs in their supply chain having to demonstrate their sustainability commitments.

The survey found that there is a substantial divide between firms with more than 50 employees and those with fewer than 50 in terms of understanding and progress.

A total of 56% of the bigger firms have a ‘complete’ or ‘some understanding’ of the net zero target, compared to just 35% of the smaller ones. Almost twice as many firms with more than 50 employees (36%) have developed a plan for reaching net zero compared to those with fewer than 50 (19%).

Previous research by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid revealed that only 14% of businesses in Wales had already implemented a strategy to help their company reach net zero and over half of businesses had not yet created a strategy, citing uncertainty of how to proceed as a barrier.

 

Paul Slevin, Executive Chair of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “This latest data shows that small businesses, hugely significant contributors to the Welsh and UK economies, are falling behind the public sector and larger businesses in understanding net zero and implementing strategies to realise their green ambitions by 2050.

“When announcing the findings of the Welsh Government’s Roads Review and National Transport Delivery Plan this week, the Deputy Climate Change Minister stated ‘we will not get to net zero unless we stop doing the same thing over and over’.

“We need a step change in the approach of support and guidance for SMEs, putting them at the heart of plans in order to achieve net zero by 2050. The Chamber is proud to play its part by connecting members with partners with expertise in this area and we will be developing our support further over the next year.”

 

In response to the findings, the BCC and Lloyds Bank plan to bring together businesses from across the country to identify the most effective ways to target support and raise awareness.

 

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The cost-of-living crisis means many smaller firms are focused on keeping their heads above water. So, it is perhaps no surprise that researching and planning for net zero has slipped down the list of strategic priorities.

“But if the UK is to stand a chance of hitting its 2050 net zero target, then businesses must be at the heart of the strategy to do that. They will provide one of the biggest dents in CO2 emissions by making the transition.

“Yet, there is a real danger that smaller businesses will get left behind unless politicians, banks and business leaders come together to galvanise action.”

Climate, Climate Action, Marine Technology & Innovation

Ingka Investments announces €30 million Investment in €150 million impact fund will help marine tech innovators save our seas

IKEA retailers’ investment arm invests in the blue economy

The Ocean 14 Capital fund, focusing exclusively on the multi-trillion-dollar ‘blue economy’, has received an investment for €30 million from Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group which represents the largest IKEA retailer, to support its mission of funding sustainable solutions to improve ocean health.

It marks the first time Ingka Investments has invested in the ‘blue economy’ – a sector using ocean resources for economic growth and preservation.

Following the Principality of Monaco’s €10 million commitment from the sovereign wealth fund in September 2022, Ocean 14 Capital has now raised €130 million since launching its growth-stage impact fund in November 2021.

With this backing, the purpose-led €150 million impact fund believes it is well on track to grow its portfolio to between 20-25 businesses within three years, having invested in four companies to date.

Ocean action was a major talking point at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 held in January in Davos, Switzerland.

A dedicated session on Ocean 20: Building a Sustainable Blue Economy featured Peter Thomson, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean and Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s community of ocean leaders, Friends of Ocean Action, flag that a sustainable blue economy represents no less than “the future of human security” and is critical for intergenerational justice – as he urged leaders to seize the critical opportunities for Ocean Action in 2023.

Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 14: Life Below Water as a guiding principle, Ocean 14 Capital is searching for entrepreneurs and businesses with big ideas around aquaculture and alternative proteins, reducing plastic waste pollution, protecting ecosystems and marine flora, and ending overfishing.

The fund’s mission is to supercharge the blue economy, which is expected to be worth $3 trillion by 2030, according to the OECD. At the same time, it will provide jobs to 40 million people (OECD;pg2).

 

Chris Gorell Barnes, Co-Founder of Ocean 14 Capital, said: “It is a real testament to the quality of our fund and intention that Ingka Investments has come on board in such a significant capacity.

“If there’s no ocean, there’s no us – it connects us all. It provides food security and plays a vital role in achieving the UN sustainability agenda.

“Davos 2023 radically shifted the dial on the conversation this year. There is a powerful undercurrent of momentum emerging as people are increasingly waking up to the fact that ocean’s health is the engine to economic growth – and critical to national and global development.

“Is this the most important investment thesis of our time? We fervently believe yes. Without a healthy marine eco-system there is zero chance of humanity surviving.

“I’d like to think we are at the tipping point of where the blue economy becomes mainstream. In less than two years we have backed four ground-breaking growth-stage companies, doing extraordinary work. So for Ingka Investments to recognize this just spurs us on further.

“Tackling climate change and food security is vital for retailers – ocean health has a direct positive impact for consumers and commerce”.

Ingka Investments [1], one of the three core businesses of Ingka Group [2], the largest owner and operator of IKEA Retail.

Head of Financial Market Investments at Ingka Investments, Samuel Rundle said: “Ingka Group is guided by the IKEA vision to create a better everyday life for the many. As a purpose-led company, our aim is to invest with impact, delivering positive returns for communities and the environment for generations to come. Ocean health is critical to a cleaner and more inclusive recovery. We were very impressed with the strategy of the Ocean 14 team and are excited to support the acceleration of sustainable solutions to improve our oceans.”

First launched in November of 2021, the Ocean 14 Capital fund will focus primarily on investing in growth-stage businesses. It is aiming that around two thirds of the fund will go to companies based in Europe, with the remainder aimed to be used to invest in the rest of the world.

The Ocean 14 Capital Fund previously completed a €80 million first close in November 2021, with backers including the European Investment Fund (EIF), Chr. Augustinus Fabrikker, Builders Vision, Minderoo Foundation, and British businessman Alex Beard and Swedish entrepreneur Niklas Zennström.

 

Image credit: George Duffield