Sustainability

Companies face stricter packaging-design, recycling, and producer-responsibility rules, with enforcement on material use, labelling and compatibility with municipal recycling systems.

The levy creates a ticket‑based funding requirement that raises fares for departures from Changi and establishes a dedicated passenger surcharge stream to finance sustainable aviation fuel production and use.

Companies placing packaging on the German market face binding extended producer responsibility, stricter recyclability standards, expanded reporting duties, and centralised plastic-recycling and circular-economy targets in regulation.

Creates municipal provision of facility access, raw-wastewater supply, and buyer-linkage support that institutionalizes in-plant testing and commercialization pathways for water-technology start-ups.

The West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) has been initiated with $68 million funding from the EU to address the decline of fisheries in the region. Led by IUCN, FAO, and FCWC, the program aims to combat illegal fishing, restore marine ecosystems, and support a sustainable blue economy across 13 coastal countries. The initiative is vital as over half of West Africa's fish stocks are unsustainably exploited, threatening local economies and livelihoods.

Around 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, prompting calls for a just energy transition. This transition aims to provide renewable energy while addressing the impacts of climate change and ensuring economic growth. The challenges include reliance on fossil fuels, funding, and the need for political will to support sustainable energy solutions.

During the opening of Cop30, UN climate chief Simon Stiell highlighted the severe consequences of inaction on climate change, including famine and conflict. He urged nations to transition to a low-carbon economy, warning that failure to do so would result in economic stagnation and rising inflation. The conference aims to address greenhouse gas emissions and support vulnerable countries against extreme weather.

S. Nagalakshmi, CEO of AP State Energy Conservation Mission, has directed officials to expedite energy efficiency and conservation programs across various sectors. She highlighted the need for alignment with the State Energy Efficiency Action Plan and stressed compliance with the Energy Conservation Building Code to enhance energy performance and competitiveness.

Airbus officials emphasize the importance of voluntary sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) programs for airlines, highlighting their potential to help businesses reduce carbon footprints. By aligning these initiatives with India's CSR legislation, companies can fulfill their corporate social responsibility while contributing to sustainability. The Indian aviation market is rapidly growing, and the government plans to introduce a SAF policy to support these efforts.

Greaves Cotton has introduced a new strategic framework called GREAVES.NEXT, focusing on sustainable growth across its energy, mobility, and industrial solutions sectors. The initiative aims to evolve the company into a complete solutions provider, enhancing partnerships and developing new technologies to drive long-term value and contribute to India's industrial and energy landscape.

During a panel discussion at The Hindu Sustainability Summit 2025, experts discussed the importance of innovative capital models and reliable datasets in accelerating India's green transition. They emphasized the need for stronger private participation, particularly in agriculture, which is often excluded from mainstream green finance. The discussion highlighted the necessity for targeted investments to build resilience against climate challenges and the role of public capital in facilitating private sector involvement. Additionally, the lack of localized data was identified as a significant barrier to effective climate-related investments.

As the Coalition grapples with internal strife over net zero policies, Labor is encouraged to maintain its focus on climate commitments. Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasized the need for a proactive approach to public policy, warning against complacency. With the Nationals abandoning support for net zero, Labor's leadership faces pressure to deliver on ambitious emissions targets while navigating a challenging political landscape.