Stay informed on the latest sustainability developments with this weekly update, covering pivotal shifts in environmental policy, energy efficiency, and regulatory frameworks. From urgent flood relief efforts in Botswana and emerging plastic pollution dialogues at the WTO, to evolving directives on sustainability reporting in the EU, there’s no shortage of timely headlines shaping the global conversation. Discover how corporations are adjusting packaging strategies amid tariff concerns, learn about groundbreaking solutions in carbon capture and geothermal energy, and explore how major international partnerships are accelerating clean energy expansion. Whether it’s mining’s impact on local water resources in Peru or large-scale battery projects charting the course for renewables in Saudi Arabia, each story underscores the interplay between technology, policy, and community well-being in driving a more sustainable future.
Botswana is experiencing a severe flooding emergency, with 7 deaths reported and nearly 3,000 people affected, including 705 children displaced. Infrastructure damage is disrupting services, leading to heightened risks of waterborne diseases and food insecurity. The government has activated emergency operations and is providing food relief and evacuation efforts. UNICEF is collaborating with the Botswana Red Cross to offer comprehensive support, focusing on health & nutrition, WASH, child protection, and education. Initial UNICEF funding requirements total $350,000 to support emergency relief and sector-specific interventions. Ongoing assessments will refine response priorities and mobilize additional support.
UNICEF Botswana Flash Update No. 1, 22 February 2025 – Botswana | ReliefWeb
The WTO’s Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade (DPP) met on February 13 to discuss cooperation on international standards for non-plastic alternatives, harmonizing trade measures for single-use plastics, and supporting UN negotiations to reduce plastic pollution. The dialogue, involving 82 members representing over 88% of global plastics trade, aims to enhance transparency, share best practices, and build capacity in developing countries. Potential outcomes for the 14th Ministerial Conference in 2026 were discussed, including guidelines for harmonizing standards and defining single-use plastics. Continued collaboration and concrete actions were emphasized for addressing global plastic pollution.
Coca-Cola may increase the use of plastic bottles in the US if President Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminium make aluminium cans more expensive. CEO James Quincey explained that the company could shift to more PET plastic bottles to remain competitive in pricing. This comes as Coca-Cola recently reduced its sustainability goal from using 50% recycled materials in packaging by 2030 to 35-40% by 2035. Environmental groups have criticized Coca-Cola as the “top global plastic polluter” for six years. Despite aluminium cans being more recyclable, the tariffs are expected to raise costs as the US imports nearly half of its aluminium. Additionally, Trump reversed a policy aimed at reducing plastic straw usage, potentially increasing plastic pollution
Coca-cola says it could use more plastic due to Trump tariffs
The European Commission plans to reduce the number of companies subject to EU sustainability reporting obligations. A draft proposal suggests amending the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to apply only to companies with more than 1,000 employees and a net turnover exceeding €450 million. This is a substantial increase from the current threshold of 250 employees and a €40 million turnover. The proposal also includes eliminating sector-specific reporting standards and delaying the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which mandates companies to address human rights and environmental issues in their supply chains. These changes aim to streamline regulations and reduce the administrative burden on businesses.
In Peru, communities near Lake Contonga have reported significant water depletion, which they attribute to exploratory drilling by the Antamina mining company. The reduced water levels have adversely impacted local agriculture and raised concerns about environmental sustainability and resource management in mining regions.
Stanford chemists have developed a cost-effective method to permanently remove atmospheric carbon dioxide using common minerals. By heating these minerals in conventional kilns, they transform into reactive materials that rapidly capture and store CO2, accelerating the natural weathering process. This approach requires less energy than traditional carbon capture technologies and can be scaled using existing cement production infrastructure. The materials can also enhance agricultural soil health, providing economic benefits for farmers. With abundant raw materials available globally, this method has the potential to remove billions of tons of CO2, offering a scalable solution to combat climate change.
New process gets common rocks to trap carbon rapidly, cheaply | ScienceDaily
Masdar, TotalEnergies, and EPointZero have signed a Framework for Action to expand clean energy in Africa, Southeast Asia, and India, strengthening UAE-France business ties. The collaboration, announced at the UAE-France High-Level Business Council meeting in Paris, aims to boost sustainable electricity in Africa, support India’s decarbonization with solar, wind, and storage solutions, and advance global energy transition efforts. Leaders from the partnering companies highlighted the initiative’s potential to drive socio-economic growth, accelerate clean energy access, and support global decarbonization goals, reinforcing the UAE and France’s commitment to renewable energy solutions.
Masdar, TotalEnergies, and EPointZero Partner to Expand Clean Energy in Africa and Asia – ESG News
BYD will construct the world’s largest battery storage projects for Saudi Arabia, totaling 12.5 GWh across five sites. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming for 50% renewable electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060. BYD will use its MC Cube-T Energy Storage System with Blade batteries at each location. The combined storage will be nearly four times larger than the current biggest facility, the 3.287-GWh Edwards & Sanborn project in California. Saudi Arabia aims to be a leading energy storage market, potentially ranking third globally by 2026 with a goal of 22 GWh of operational energy storage.
BYD to build the ‘world’s largest’ battery storage projects
The World Bank has approved a $145 million project to aid Honduras in bolstering tax transparency and economic sustainability. This initiative aims to enhance resource mobilization, addressing growth priorities and boosting productive capacity. The project focuses on two key areas: strengthening tax transparency and promoting climate sustainability. It includes adopting international tax reporting standards, preventing money laundering, and establishing a framework for sustainable bonds to attract green and social investments. Additionally, it supports deforestation-free exports, strengthens financial system stability by measuring disaster risks, and enhances energy efficiency. This project marks Honduras’s renewed access to World Bank programs, facilitating key reforms to tackle structural challenges and promote sustainable development.
The World Bank and Honduras to Promote Transparency and Sustainability in the Country
New Mexico has significant geothermal potential that could help it meet its net-zero emissions goals. While often overlooked in the US, geothermal energy offers clean, zero-emission heating and sustainable economic development. Drilling processes have improved, and existing oil industry infrastructure can be repurposed, facilitating job transitions. Geothermal heat pumps for individual buildings are particularly feasible, requiring shallow drilling. State resources like heat flow maps and regulations are available to support development. A US Department of Energy report emphasizes reducing financial risks for developers, increasing access to untapped resources, and creating flexible energy systems. Despite political challenges to renewable energy funding, New Mexico’s geothermal resources present a viable path toward a sustainable future.