Sustainability weekly update #5
Associated Press (AP)Associated Press (AP)Associated Press (AP)
· 5 min read
These articles highlight how major industries are advancing in sustainable technologies, from car manufacturing to packaging solutions, emphasizing long-term, eco-friendly practices and circular design.
Nestlé has replaced plastic packaging with paper, reducing plastic by 90% in Vital Proteins and 97% in Nescafé refill packs, pushing forward sustainable packaging.
BMW and Volkswagen are using flax and hemp to make car interiors more sustainable, with BMW's award-winning flax-based seats and Volkswagen's trials of hemp-based leather alternatives.
Bang & Olufsen's new Beoplay H100 headphones are designed for longevity, with replaceable parts and modular construction, ensuring they remain usable as technology evolves.
Researchers in Germany discovered fungi that can break down synthetic plastics, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution, especially for polyurethane used in construction.
BMW, collaborating with Toyota, will introduce a hydrogen-powered model by 2028, combining their expertise in fuel-cell technology and sustainability to offer a zero-emissions alternative to electric cars.
These stories focus on the importance of creating transparent, sustainable supply chains and the global shift towards a circular economy, involving new strategies in various industries.
Thirteen startups are driving transparency in supply chains by using data and traceability tools to support sustainability in industries like plastics, fashion, and agriculture.
Starbucks is collaborating with Kirishima Shuzo to open a store powered by biogas from sweet potato scraps, combining sustainability with local tradition in Miyazaki Prefecture.
This cluster explores how tourism and architecture are integrating sustainable practices to create lasting impacts on the environment and local economies.
The UN World Tourism Organization and FIA have partnered to promote sustainable sports tourism, focusing on boosting tourism through world-class events while encouraging sustainable practices.
Leading sustainable buildings like The Edge in Amsterdam and One Central Park in Sydney demonstrate how architecture can significantly reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly living.
This cluster covers the growing consequences of climate change, from record-breaking heatwaves to devastating forest fires, underscoring the urgency of global climate action.
Torrential rains in southern Morocco have resulted in floods, killing 11 people and leaving nine missing, while causing extensive damage to infrastructure.
An intense heatwave hit the US west, with Phoenix recording 100 consecutive days over 100°F, while cities like Los Angeles and Seattle also broke temperature records.
A report reveals that nearly 68% of Australia’s tourism sites are at risk due to climate change, with locations like Uluru and Bondi Beach vulnerable to rising temperatures and disasters.
2024 has been confirmed as the hottest summer on record, with global temperatures rising due to emissions and the lingering effects of El Niño, causing deadly heatwaves and wildfires worldwide.
Forest fires have worsened over the past two decades, with 2023 seeing 11.9 million hectares lost globally. Climate change is a key factor in intensifying these fires.
These articles discuss corporate strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, improving inclusivity, and integrating sustainability into business practices.
The voluntary carbon market is essential for scaling carbon dioxide removal to meet net-zero goals, but faces challenges in transparency and credibility.
A new approach to climate reporting suggests companies should also measure their broader societal impact, such as product innovation and policy advocacy, beyond their carbon emissions.
Despite advancements in renewables, McKinsey reports that only 10% of the assets needed for a net-zero future are in place, identifying major challenges in power, industry, and mobility.
This cluster highlights initiatives designed to foster a sustainability mindset among students and communities, emphasizing the importance of education and outdoor activities.
Starting in Fall 2024, Arizona State University requires all students to take a sustainability-related course to graduate, aiming to equip them with skills to tackle environmental challenges.
Fruittella’s new children’s book can only be read in sunlight, encouraging outdoor play and reducing screen time, with retro illustrations promoting physical activities.
David McEwen
Climate Change · ESG
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Sport · Climate Change
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Public Governance · Ethical Governance
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Climate Change · Environmental Sustainability
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Climate Change · Effects
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Public Governance · Climate Change