Decarbonization Challenges, Sustainable Solutions

A study conducted by Earthsight revealed that Zara and H&M were involved in unethical practices within their cotton supply chains. Meanwhile, G20 nations have made minimal progress in their decarbonization efforts, according to a Bloomberg report. 

Ready for more? Here is your weekly roundup!

H&M, Zara Face Scrutiny Amid Supply Chain Allegations

An investigation by Earthsight revealed that Zara and H&M sold clothing potentially made from cotton linked to land grabbing, illegal deforestation, and human rights violations in Brazil. Suppliers for both brands sourced cotton from producers fined for environmental breaches, with the cotton grown in Bahia, a region deforested for industrial agriculture. Despite the certification, Earthsight called for stricter supervision, urging retailers like Zara and H&M to establish more rigorous checks beyond existing certification schemes to ensure ethical sourcing and prevent harm to ecosystems and human rights.

G20 Falls Short on Decarbonization Goals: BloombergNEF

A Bloomberg study warns that G20 nations have made minimal progress in their decarbonization policies over the past year, casting doubt on meeting Paris Agreement goals. Despite efforts, the average score on BloombergNEF's G-20 Zero-Carbon Policy Scoreboard only advanced by 1%, with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States maintaining leadership but seeing a decline in performance. Mexico, ranking 15th, shows slight improvement, yet faces challenges in promoting effective low-carbon initiatives, particularly in energy and agriculture sectors, signaling a need for stronger policy support across all G20 nations to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century and fulfill Paris Agreement targets.

OECD Report Urges Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Investment

An OECD report emphasized the urgent need for governments to integrate climate resilience into infrastructure planning amid record global temperatures and escalating climate-related disasters. The study highlights the extensive impact of climatic events on infrastructure sectors and underscores the importance of sustainable projects to bolster social and economic resilience, particularly in developing countries. To achieve enhanced infrastructure resilience by 2030, countries are urged to prioritize substantial investments, with an estimated annual investment of US$6.9 trillion deemed necessary according to OECD, World Bank, and UN Environment analyses.

Resilient Mexico Coalition Analyzes Candidates' Climate Plans

The Resilient Mexico Coalition presented findings from an analysis of presidential candidates' proposals, focusing on accelerating climate action based on their 2024-2030 Decarbonization and Climate Resilience Plan. While candidates show interest in areas like energy transition and sustainable cities, attention to climate change remains limited, with concerns raised over Claudia Sheinbaum's stance on fossil fuels. Urging candidates to strengthen proposals, the organization underscored the need for robust climate action irrespective of the election outcome.

Major Cities Embrace Bike-Friendly Transport Policies

Paris and Mexico City are experiencing notable shifts in transportation habits, with bicycles emerging as a preferred mode of travel. In Paris, cycling now accounts for 11.2% of trips in the city center, marking a significant increase from 3% in 2010, while in Mexico City, citizen mobilization efforts have led to the promotion of cycling-friendly policies, including infrastructure development and public policy implementation. Both cities are implementing measures to reduce car dependency and promote sustainable transportation, with Paris investing €250 million by 2026 to improve cycling infrastructure and Mexico City's biciactivismo movement advocating for alternative urban transportation solutions.

BBVA Partners With TIP for Sustainable Transport Leasing

BBVA Mexico initiated a sustainable leasing operation with TIP Mexico, leasing 299 dry and semi-trailers equipped with aerodynamic skirts to reduce wind resistance and lower CO2 emissions, amounting to over MX$276 million. BBVA highlighted the significance of sustainable financing in driving environmental solutions across sectors, while TIP emphasized its commitment to sustainable mobility and collaboration with the financial institution to build a greener future. Expected fuel savings from the trailers equipped with skirts could lead to avoiding the generation of 452.92t/y of CO2, showcasing the potential environmental impact of such initiatives in Mexico's transportation sector.