Catch Up on ESG
What happened with ESG in the Second quarter?
April 2024 Recap:
1 – Sustainability Conferences
In April, sustainability conferences like EnerCom Dallas 2024, Tantalus Users Conference, and World Future Energy Summit showcased progress in sustainable energy, green IT, and climate tech, promoting talks on ESG investment strategies.
2 – UN Sustainability Week (April 15-19)
The UN General Assembly hosted its first Sustainability Week to promote sustainable tourism, infrastructure, energy, and transport, followed by discussions on implementing sustainable practices and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
3 – Portugal’s Renewable Energy Milestone
Portugal reached a milestone by generating 95% of electricity from renewables, demonstrating leadership in clean energy and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
May 2024 Recap:
1 – EU’s Fossil Fuel Decline
The EU reported that fossil fuels accounted for less than a quarter of its electricity generation in April, indicating a significant shift towards renewable energy sources. This transition reflects broader ESG trends of reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy sustainability.
2 – Montpellier’s Free Public Transport
Montpellier, France saw a 20% rise in public transport use when buses and trams were made free for residents, showcasing how sustainable urban mobility projects can cut carbon emissions and enhance social equity.
3 – Rewilding Projects
Rewilding projects like reintroducing European bison in Romania benefit the environment by increasing biodiversity and carbon sequestration, aiding in climate change mitigation while meeting ESG’s environmental aspect.
June 2024 Recap:
1 – World Environment Day
Celebrations on World Environment Day focused on ecosystem restoration and sustainable practices. Various campaigns and educational programs were launched globally to promote environmental stewardship.
2 – Renewable Energy Expansion
Over 30% of global electricity is now generated from renewable sources, largely from wind and solar power, playing a critical role in environmental sustainability efforts central to ESG investing.
3 – Global Seed Vault Recognition
The creators of the global seed vault were awarded the World Food Prize for preserving agricultural diversity, emphasizing the significance of biodiversity and sustainable agriculture for global food security.
