Decarbonization, Environmental Costs, and Sustainability Efforts

Amazon partnered with Orbital to develop AI-driven technologies to boost decarbonization. Meanwhile, in 2023, Mexico's environmental costs amounted to 4.2% of GDP, while public spending on environmental protection accounted for just 0.7% of GDP.

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Amazon, Orbital to Advance Decarbonization Technology

Amazon Web Services has partnered with Orbital Materials to develop AI-driven technologies aimed at improving data center efficiency and decarbonization, including solutions for carbon removal, cooling, and water use. Orbital’s proprietary carbon removal material, designed to capture CO2 efficiently, will be tested and deployed by 2025, while the company also plans to integrate its AI model, Orb, into AWS platforms. This collaboration aligns with Amazon’s net-zero emissions goal by 2040, with initiatives to reduce energy consumption in data centers through innovative cooling systems, renewable energy, and optimized infrastructure.

Environmental Costs vs. Public Spending in Mexico

In 2023, Mexico's environmental degradation costs reached over MX$1 trillion, representing 4.2% of its GDP, while public spending on environmental protection was less than one-fifth of that amount, highlighting a significant budgetary gap. The largest environmental costs were linked to air pollution, soil degradation, and urban waste, with public funds primarily directed toward water management and climate protection. Despite these challenges, the government plans a 39.4% reduction in the environmental sector's budget for 2025, drawing criticism from environmental groups and legislators concerned about the impact on crucial projects like water resource management.

Mexico Advocates for Climate Accountability at World Court

Mexico called for stronger international legal frameworks to address climate change during hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging clarity on state responsibilities under international law. The country advocated for accountability measures, including restitution and compensation for environmental harm, and emphasized a rights-based approach to climate policies that integrates human rights and gender perspectives. 

Lack of Incentives, Engagement Hinder Sustainability: ERM

A new ERM survey revealed that progress on corporate sustainability goals is hindered by a lack of financial incentives, limited engagement from key business functions, and poor integration of sustainability into operations. The survey found a significant gap between C-suite executives, who report more progress, and managers, who face operational challenges and weaker engagement, particularly in critical departments like operations and infrastructure. ERM recommends linking executive compensation to sustainability performance, improving training, and providing managers with tools to better integrate sustainability goals, aiming to bridge these gaps and accelerate corporate sustainability efforts.

SLB Capturi Opens First Industrial Carbon Capture Plant

SLB Capturi inaugurated the world’s first industrial-scale carbon capture plant at Heidelberg Materials’ cement facility in Brevik, Norway, designed to capture up to 400,000t of CO2 annually. The plant, which is now ready for testing and commissioning, is part of Europe’s Longship CCS project, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions in the cement industry by integrating carbon capture, storage, and transport systems.