With so much happening in the world of corporate sustainability, SustainabilityOnline has introduced The Sustainability Brief – a regular round-up of some of the top stories making headlines around the world.
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WWF report records continued decline in global wildlife populations
WWF’s 2026 Living Planet Report has reported an average 73% decline in monitored wildlife population sizes since 1970. Its analysis draws on data covering almost 36,000 populations and more than 5,000 species. Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Africa experienced some of the sharpest declines; freshwater populations recorded an 85% fall in the report’s index. WWF identifies habitat destruction, food production, overexploitation, pollution, invasive species and climate change as pressures on biodiversity. The report also documents recovery in some species following targeted conservation action.
COP31 host country agreement enters into force, strengthening participation safeguards
The host country agreement between Türkiye and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has entered into force ahead of COP31 in Antalya in November. The agreement introduces measures covering human rights and inclusion, accommodation costs, participant protections and conference management. Accommodation for participants funded through the UNFCCC Trust Fund for Participation is capped at 50% of the daily subsistence allowance. Türkiye must also report to the COP Bureau on organisational achievements and challenges after the conference.
Lancet Commission identifies climate change among 17 catastrophic threats to global health
A new Lancet Commission has identified 17 interconnected threats that could cause catastrophic health losses between 2025 and 2100, including climate change, air pollution, pandemics, antimicrobial resistance and nuclear conflict. Its modelling across 204 countries and territories estimates that limiting global warming to around 1.8°C, rather than 4.4°C, could prevent 1.89 billion years of healthy life lost through impacts including extreme heat and air pollution. “The striking finding is not only the scale of these threats, but that humanity still has the agency to act,” commented Professor Christopher JL Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington.
UNDP warns energy prices, El Niño and debt are putting developing countries under pressure
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says rising energy and food prices, severe El Niño conditions and higher borrowing costs are reducing developing countries’ ability to protect vulnerable households. Its report, No Time to Recover: Compounding Crises, Depleted Fiscal Buffers and What It Means for Developing Economies, estimates that around 130 million additional people could have been pushed into poverty in 2026 if higher energy and food costs had been fully passed on to consumers. The median developing country now spends about 9.5% of government revenue on interest payments, the highest share in 25 years.
South Korea unveils $747bn green transformation plan through to 2035
South Korea has announced a 1,000 trillion won (approximately $747 billion) energy transition and decarbonisation strategy running to 2035, according to reports. The Korea-Green Transformation plan combines 200 trillion won in government spending, more than 790 trillion won in climate finance and a separate 220 trillion won in private-sector investment. Targets include 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and electric and hydrogen vehicles accounting for more than 70% of new vehicle sales by 2035. The plan also covers green steel, batteries, hydrogen, solar and wind power, and carbon capture.
Canada raises $2bn through seventh sovereign green bond
The Canadian government has raised C$2 billion through a new 10-year green bond, its seventh issuance under the programme launched in 2022. The final order book exceeded C$3.6 billion, with environmentally and socially responsible investors accounting for 44% of buyers. The transaction brings Canada’s cumulative green bond issuance to C$19.5 billion. Eligible expenditure will support areas including clean growth, renewable energy, climate action and environmental protection.
Australia’s rooftop solar capacity reshapes electricity demand
Australia has installed rooftop solar at around four million homes and businesses, equivalent to approximately 36% of households, according to reports. Rooftop solar now supplies nearly 14% of the country’s electricity, compared with less than 3% a decade ago. High electricity prices, government incentives and suitable housing are among the factors driving adoption, alongside growing home-battery installations.
Study documents beef industry group’s early efforts to counter climate concerns
A University of Miami study examining archival records from 1986 to 1996 found that the US National Cattlemen’s Association responded to emerging evidence of cattle-related methane emissions primarily through public relations intended to protect beef consumption. Researchers reviewed 154 internal documents and found that the association questioned climate concerns, promoted estimates minimising cattle’s contribution to global methane emissions, and challenged campaigns encouraging consumers to eat less beef. “The records show that the trade association understood the issue and knew that options to reduce methane emissions existed,” commented Jennifer Jacquet, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the Rosenstiel School. “Its response focused on shaping what people heard about beef and global warming and countering the idea that eating less beef could help.”
