Date: January 2, 2025
In the UK, the government is focusing on sustainability as it prepares for a pivotal year in 2025. Recent developments include the extension of the North Sea oil and gas windfall tax and the regulation of ESG rating providers. Despite progress, the Climate Change Committee warns that the UK is off-track to meet its net-zero targets, necessitating accelerated emissions reductions.
The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association announced a growing number of funds achieving Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) labels. The Chancellor has proposed consultations for large companies to align disclosures with International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) guidelines, aiming for a significant increase in private finance flow into sustainability initiatives.
Meanwhile, in India, the Green Economy Accelerator for a Just Transition (GREAT) project, led by former U.N. Environment official Satya Tripathi, is set to launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos. This grassroots initiative encourages smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable practices, including greenhouse-based permaculture and anaerobic digestion, aiming to enhance ecological health and food systems.
GREAT collaborates with local organizations, leveraging their existing networks to scale up sustainable agricultural practices. Tripathi emphasizes the importance of grassroots involvement in addressing environmental challenges, arguing that meaningful change must come from the ground up rather than solely from government and corporate actions.
As sustainability initiatives gain momentum globally, the focus remains on collaborative efforts that integrate local knowledge and practices into broader environmental strategies.