The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) aimed at developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, commonly called the Global Plastics Treaty, has concluded in Busan, South Korea. No agreement was reached although this was expected to be the final round. While some progress was made, unresolved disagreements on critical measures such as capping plastic production and addressing hazardous chemicals, prevented consensus. An additional round (INC-5.2) is expected to be held next year. Planet Tracker urges financial institutions, policymakers, and businesses to strengthen their efforts and stand firm in advocating for a treaty that addresses the root causes of plastic pollution.

“Climate meets Nature” from UBS Asset Management and Planet Tracker provides a practical guide for industry practitioners on how best to integrate nature when looking at solutions for the global energy transition that is needed to meet global climate goals. The report focuses on three essential technologies in the energy transition: solar, wind and bioenergy.

What are the key takeaways for financial institutions from the fourth negotiating round of the global plastic treaty? There are five key considerations: the scope of the treaty remains contentious; chemicals of concern will be discussed in the intersessional meetings; plastic production limits will not be discussed until late November; industry wants to avoid a producer pays approach to financing the plastic pollution clean-up; a record turnout of attendees.

As the fourth negotiating round of the global plastic treaty approaches, what should financial institutions be looking out for? There are five main considerations: are upstream petrochemical producers in scope; Will hazardous chemicals be called out; Will there be product restrictions? Who will finance the transition? Will the final treaty text be mandatory or voluntary? The implications for the financial markets could be significant.

At the end of 2021, following an international consensus to negotiate a legally binding Global Plastic Pollution Treaty by the end of 2024.

The final TNFD Recommendations on nature-related issues have just been released after two years of development. Three main changes were identified in this final version, in response to the feedback the TNFD received through its consultation rounds – engagement on social issues, disclosing sensitive locations and value chain transparency.

To have any hope of limiting climate heating to 1.50C: stopping deforestation and cutting methane emissions by 45% before 2030 are essential to meet our interlinked climate, nature and development goals and significantly reduce the food system’s GhG footprint. Transforming the energy system alone will not be sufficient.

Unfortunately, many financial institutions have been ignoring the problems of deforestation and methane emissions for far too long. 61% of financial institutions covered by Global Canopy’s latest Forest 500 survey do not have any policies to tackle deforestation in their lending or investment portfolios. With only seven years left to achieve these targets, action must be taken now.

Landmark new analysis of over 400,000 companies establishes real-world framework for financial institutions for urgent food system transformation.

Planet Tracker’s new report Financial Markets Roadmap for Transforming the Global Food System captures data from 400,000 companies across 160 countries covering the whole food system including seafood, the largest combined analysis of its kind. The estimated annual global investment to achieve world-altering results is just USD 300-350 billion – equivalent to 4% of the USD 8.6 trillion of current investment.

Perhaps the most discussed fashion event of the year will be the Oscars – the Academy Awards – red carpet parade on 12 March 2023, with live streamed blogs of the fashion choices on show and much discussion in subsequent press coverage.

But one of the biggest challenges facing the fashion industry in its move towards greater sustainability is changing the way we consume fashion and a red carpet outfit is often the antithesis of a sustainable fashion choice.