Here’s a brand new update in our Sustainability in the News updates, on critical developments in science, climate policy, and research from the past week.

These updates serve as a quick-read supplement to our in-depth articles, ensuring you stay informed about the latest breakthroughs, policy shifts, and discussions around the future. While our longer articles provide comprehensive analysis and context, these telex updates will focus on key headlines, emerging trends, and essential insights – delivered in a clear and easily digestible format.

Whether it’s a groundbreaking study, a pivotal climate agreement, or an integrity issue in research, we’ll bring you the most relevant updates every week.

So here are the latest news items that passed by related to current events.

Latest Developments in Sustainability

EU Harmonizes Recycling Rules for Sustainability

On June 14, 2025, the Sustainable Foods Summit announced that the EU will harmonize its Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) with unified recycling rules.

Red Arrows Perform World-First Sustainable Flypast

On June 14, 2025, the RAF Red Arrows conducted a world-first flypast over London using sustainable aviation fuels for the King’s Official Birthday. This demonstration highlights advancements in reducing aviation emissions.

NUS Highlights AI for Sustainability

On June 14, 2025, Professor Lawrence Loh from NUS Business School published a primer detailing how AI can support sustainability in business, from emissions tracking to supply chain optimization. The article emphasizes practical applications for corporate leaders.

Tweed Shire Opens Nominations for Sustainability Awards

On June 17, 2025, Tweed Shire (Australia) Council opened nominations for its 2025 Sustainability Awards to celebrate local environmental champions. Categories recognize efforts in waste reduction, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, with nominations closing July 20.

Times Higher Education Releases Impact Rankings 2025

On June 18, 2025, Times Higher Education published its Impact Rankings 2025, assessing universities’ progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Asian universities, particularly from Malaysia and South Korea, showed significant advances in sustainability initiatives.

BizClik Announces Global Sustainability Awards Finalists

On June 18, 2025, BizClik revealed the finalists for the Global Sustainability Awards 2025, set for September 10 in London. The awards spotlight measurable progress in ESG, climate tech, and sustainable innovation across global enterprises.

Global Energy Prize Shortlist Announced

On June 19, 2025, the Global Energy Prize announced its 2025 shortlist, featuring 15 scientists from eight countries working on sustainable energy solutions. The award promotes innovations addressing energy challenges for a sustainable future.

Phillips 66 Releases 2025 Sustainability and People Report

On June 19, 2025, Phillips 66 published its 2025 Sustainability and People Report, detailing efforts to reduce emissions while meeting global energy demands. The report emphasizes transparent disclosures on workforce and sustainability initiatives.

BigBear.ai Advances ESG and Climate Analytics

On June 20, 2025, BigBear.ai was in the news for its AI tools supporting ESG data and climate modeling, aiding emissions tracking and net-zero goals. The company’s solutions are gaining traction among sustainability-focused investors.

INTERPHEX 2025 Highlights Sustainability in Manufacturing

On June 22, 2025, the INTERPHEX 2025 conference emphasized sustainability as a key priority alongside safety and automation in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Discussions focused on integrating eco-friendly practices into production processes.

Sustainable Agriculture Needs $1.1 Trillion Annually

On June 23, 2025, Reuters reported that agriculture, responsible for nearly 90% of tropical deforestation and a third of global emissions, requires $1.1 trillion in annual investments over the next five years to transition to sustainable, resilient food production models. Proven methods like agroforestry and sustainable cattle ranching could boost resilience and incomes without further habitat loss.

Australia Releases Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

On June 24, 2025, Australia launched its first sustainable finance taxonomy, developed by the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute with oversight from the Treasury. The science-aligned, Paris-compatible framework aims to steer investments toward net-zero goals, marking a key step in the government’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap.

Meta Inks Clean Energy Deals with Invenergy

On June 26, 2025, Bloomberg reported that Meta signed new clean energy agreements with developer Invenergy to power its operations with renewable energy. The deals support Meta’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions across its global data centers, advancing sustainable energy use in the tech sector.

Malaysia Forms Committee to Address EU Deforestation Law

On June 26, 2025, Reuters reported that Malaysia established a committee to strengthen its response to the EU’s anti-deforestation law, which impacts its palm oil exports. The committee aims to ensure compliance while promoting sustainable agricultural practices to meet EU standards.

UK’s Miliband Vows to Lead in Clean Energy

On June 27, 2025, Ed Miliband, UK Energy Secretary, pledged to position the UK as a clean energy leader, demanding corporate net-zero strategies. The commitment includes scaling renewable energy and enforcing stricter sustainability policies for businesses.

India Breaks into Top 100 of SDG Index

On June 28, 2025, the Indian Express reported that India ranked 99th in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, up from 109th in 2024, reflecting steady progress in sustainable development. The report notes challenges in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), with only 17% of global SDG targets on track.

UNEP Cooling Guidelines Aid Sustainable Development

On June 28, 2025, Insights on India reported that the UNEP’s NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025, developed by the UNEP Cool Coalition and partners like UNDP, help countries integrate sustainable cooling into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The guidelines address emissions and heat-related vulnerabilities, balancing mitigation and adaptation.

UN Prepares for SDG Financing Conference

On June 29, 2025, the United Nations announced that the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), set for June 30–July 3 in Sevilla, Spain, will address financing challenges threatening the Sustainable Development Goals. The conference aims to catalyze investment and reform global financial systems for sustainability.

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I have a background in environmental science and journalism. For WINSS I write articles on climate change, circular economy, and green innovations. When I am not writing, I enjoy hiking in the Black Forest and experimenting with plant-based recipes.