Opinions

Net zero ambitions in the mining industry face a major challenge in carbon reduction as they seek to improve or re-engineer old-economy assets. Nick Gibson explores the scale of the challenge and what are mining companies are doing to reduce their environmental impact. “In the mining industry the major polluters are the energy and transportation intensive mining sectors and projects,” says Peter Hjorth, ceo of mining company Bluelake Mineral. “The most energy intensive sector in the mining industry is iron and steel which constitutes some 7 per cent of global greenhouse emissions.” Net...

The role that natural gas will play in the energy transition is complex, with multiple and diverging contributions that even now draw vastly different opinions. Some see it as another fossil fuel whose use needs to be eradicated, while others see it as a crucial bridging fuel to the zero-carbon future that has a role beyond that initial transition. It is easy to see why gas is such an attractive option. It is a versatile fuel of growth in fast-growing markets, and an enabler for reducing emissions when used as...

Creating a sustainable product involves every part of the item’s design, material sourcing, manufacture, distribution, sale and end-of-life. The process requires materials and resources, transport, energy and heat that all have a major environmental impact – and it all costs money. Design is key to sustainability, regulatory compliance and cost savings. Up to four-fifths of a product’s lifetime emissions are determined by decisions made at the design stage and with sustainability now at the heart of the entire product lifecycle ensuring that products are fully aligned at the design stage...

State clampdowns on environmental protesters must stop and give way to social dialogue, says Europe’s human rights chief. Environmental pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss are the most urgent existential threats to humankind and to human rights. In response, many people have taken to the streets in peaceful protest to demand more resolute government action on issues relating to the protection of nature and the environment, health and climate change. But their legitimate demands and concerns are increasingly being met with repression, criminalisation and stigmatisation. This must stop, says Dunja...

Dr Andriannah Mbandi, waste management deputy lead, United Nations high level climate champions and Engineering X initiative on open burning of waste looks at the challenges the world faces in dealing with garbage The COP27 climate summit is drawing global scrutiny of the progress made by individuals, organisations, and governments in tackling climate change, as well as the issues that they have overlooked. Despite its catastrophic impacts on health, climate and the economies of developing countries, the open burning of waste has long been neglected and has not been mentioned...

Ruth Murray, associate director of sustainable infrastructure at Gresham House outlines the importance of biodiversity on the journey to a net-zero future All eyes are on net zero – from governments at COP27 to corporations making pledges. Climate change poses an existential threat. But this is only one half of the equation. Nature has subsidised our growth and prosperity to its serious detriment, creating another existential threat equal to that of climate change. It is imperative that biodiversity restoration is a key element of our race to Net zero; they...

ESG requires more than environmental action, it also includes action on the societal impacts of business and industry. The ‘S’ in ESG involves a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and sustainability initiatives with a heightened focus on the employee experience, a positive workplace culture, and socially responsible practices. Los Angeles-based TMT recognises the need to develop programs to harness employee enthusiasm and offer opportunities to keep its teams connected and engaged on its journey to improve inclusivity and environmental awareness. The company prioritises diversity and sustainability as much as...

Oil industry executives should contribute to the recovery of nature devastated by the impact of pollution from their industry’s products. That’s the opinion of former oil researcher and consultant Dr Jeremy Leggett, now founder and CEO of leading UK rewilding project Highlands Rewilding. Passionate about bringing people together in the fight against the climate and biodiversity crisis, Dr Leggett believes oil industry executives should invest “guilt” money in rewilding and fund nature recovery at scale. “As the earth’s atmosphere warmed, like most I didn’t take much notice of it for...

Inadequate data and inconsistent standards are the biggest obstacles to progress in reaching ESG targets, according to a new study. UK executives cite inadequate data as a top barrier holding back ESG progress while under one third of surveyed consumers feel they have enough data to make environmentally sustainable purchasing or employment decisions. A new global IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) study, “The ESG ultimatum: Profit or perish,” of executives and consumers reveals that while environmental sustainability remains a top priority for consumers and business executives, inadequate data is a...

Claire Benson, founder and director at SDG Changemakers explains why transforming our food system needs more collaboration and careful consideration of those involved For the first time in the history of climate talks, a presidency has dedicated an entire day to “Adaptation and Agriculture”. And it is more important now than ever. We are facing a global food crisis, where extreme weather is damaging crops, and food inflation is rocketing. In response, during the themed day, the Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) was launched. It aims to boost...