Companies quietly quitting climate schemes
Our latest selection of articles from New Zealand and around the world on environmental management and sustainability. Click here to subscribe.
We start this week with a look at several NZ based companies who have quietly abandoned their climate targets without mentioning that fact to the public. Most didn’t want to be interviewed, some are sticking with their goals, most notably 2 Degrees which hoped to slash emissions by 90% by 2030. On the positive side, Fonterra dairy farmers will be able to earn cash for their climate efforts starting on 1 June. The dairy giant has announced it will pay an extra 1-5 cents a kilogram of milk solids to farms that meet climate criteria, and more for some farms. More than 5000 farms will be eligible for a bonus next season. Clean energy contributed a record 10% of China’s gross domestic product in 2024, an analysis has found. With sales and investments worth 13.6tn yuan ($1.9tn USD), the sector has now overtaken real estate sales in value. Solar power, electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries have all played a major role in the dramatic growth of Chinese clean technology.
The Dutch government has been ordered to drastically cut nitrogen emissions by 2030 in a move which could impact farmers and construction, following a major court case brought by Greenpeace. A court in The Hague ruled the government had failed to comply with European regulations to cut the excessive emissions. We take a look at The Top 10 Climate Tech Trends & Innovations in 2025, from clean energy to green construction, there are positive developments in this space. How life sciences innovation and collaboration could halve climate change’s adverse health effects. Investing just 5% of the annual pharmaceutical industry's research and development budget in climate-driven health solutions could save around 6.5 million lives, avoid $5.8 trillion in economic losses and halve climate change’s adverse health effects.
The flavour of beer is created by chemical compounds from three ingredients: hops, yeast and malted barley. But now climate change is threatening the production of two of those – barley and hops. There are a number of actions growers can take, such as relocating hops to areas with higher water tables or switching to more climate-resistant varieties. Sticking with beer, Scientists and industry are finding unusual new uses for brewers' spent grain – the beer industry's largest waste product. Vegan milk, leather goods and repurposed to food manufacturers to be included in baked goods. The Only Oscar Nominee to Pass the Test for Climate Change this year is the animated film The Wild Robot. The film depicts life in the age of climate change, exploring resilience, overcoming fears and differences, and the power of community in an uncertain world.
Looking for a software tool to measure and reduce your emissions? We've got tips to help you choose.
Here is the full list of articles...
New Zealand companies have been quietly abandoning their ambitious climate targets out of fear of backlash from not meeting their initial commitments with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Setting emission reduction targets with the SBTi increases the transparency and accountability for companies to meet their sustainability goals. While the scheme might be imperfect and lacking in funding after Jeff Bezos divesting from the scheme, the SBTi is still the best option out there for target verification, and companies such as 2degrees are still signing on with ambitious targets. Read more…
Companies shouldn’t cower from their Science Based Targets but feel empowered to make the meaningful change required. Fonterra is incentivising climate efforts from their dairy farmers, by paying an extra 1-5 cents per kilogram of milk solids to farms that meet climate criteria. In order to stay competitive with overseas markets and meet legal and reporting obligations, Fonterra is required to reduce their emissions by 30% against 2030 levels. Rather than backing down from their targets, Fonterra has embraced them and is encouraging their farmers to do the same. Read more…
Carbon zero solutions are and will be the future and transitioning to more sustainable practices and technologies doesn’t need to be a cost. In fact, they can contribute significantly to national growth. Clean energy contributed a record 10% of China’s gross domestic product in 2024, with solar power, electric vehicles, and batteries playing a major role in the sector’s dramatic growth. China has been heavily investing in these sectors to improve energy security and to meet their climate commitments. But the biggest reason is not altruistic. It just makes sense financially. Read more…
A Dutch court has ordered the government to drastically reduce nitrogen emissions to meet environmental targets. The ruling stems from concerns over the detrimental impact of nitrogen pollution on biodiversity, especially in protected nature reserves. The court criticized the government for insufficient action, prompting immediate measures to limit emissions from agriculture, transport, and industry. The decision underscores the urgency of tackling nitrogen pollution, which has been a contentious issue in the Netherlands, and highlights the need for more stringent environmental regulations to protect ecosystems. Read more…
The World Economic Forum highlights the growing need for life sciences innovations to address climate-driven health challenges. As climate change worsens, the health sector faces rising incidences of diseases linked to extreme weather, pollution, and changing ecosystems. The article emphasizes the importance of developing climate-resilient health solutions, including new vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. Accelerating innovations in this field is essential for minimizing climate-related health risks and ensuring healthcare systems can adapt to the changing environmental landscape, ultimately safeguarding public health worldwide. Read more…
Key climate tech trends and innovations are expected in 2025, focusing on clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and carbon capture technologies. Some of the biggest trends this year highlighted, showing how startups and businesses are driving advancements in these areas to combat climate change, emphasising the role of emerging technologies like green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and AI in reducing emissions. These innovations are attracting significant investments, offering new solutions to create a more sustainable future. The trends reflect an increasing global push for impactful climate action through technology-driven initiatives. Read more…
Climate change is altering the taste of beer by affecting the production of two key ingredients: barley and hops. Research shows that noble hop yields have declined by 20% since the 1970s, with alpha acid levels—responsible for bitterness—expected to drop 31% by 2050. Rising temperatures and droughts are shifting growing seasons, making traditional hop varieties harder to cultivate. While brewers can adapt by relocating crops, using irrigation, or switching hop varieties, these solutions pose challenges. Despite these changes, beer will persist, though its flavours may evolve. Read more…
Brewers' spent grain (BSG), the largest by-product of beer production, is being repurposed into sustainable food and materials. Traditionally used as cattle feed or discarded, startups like Upgrain are extracting protein and fibre to create vegan barley milk, baked goods, and plant-based meats. Companies like Arda Biomaterials are turning BSG into leather alternatives, while researchers explore its potential for bioplastics, cosmetics, and construction materials. Challenges include spoilage and energy-intensive processing, but innovative solutions like fermentation and microwave techniques are improving efficiency, unlocking BSG’s potential as a valuable resource. Read more…
The Climate Reality Check, inspired by the Bechdel Test, evaluates climate change representation in films. Of 30 Oscar-nominated films in 2025, 11 met eligibility criteria, but only The Wild Robot passed, acknowledging climate change within its narrative. Good Energy founder Anna Jane Joyner praised its portrayal of resilience and community amid climate uncertainty. Other films like Flow and Dune: Part Two explored climate themes but didn’t qualify. The Climate Reality Check, launched in 2024, helps measure climate visibility in Hollywood storytelling and encourages more realistic environmental narratives. Read more…
Hydrology Report - 27th February 2025
Electricity Price Index - 27th February 2025
Click here to subscribe to SnippETS
Did you know: You can display your organisation’s sustainability data on your website or intranet using our carbon management software, e-Bench? Read more…
Copyright of all featured articles lies with the original authors
