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Ukraine approves ESG roadmap to develop sustainable finance and attract investment
Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved a 2026–2028 roadmap for implementing ESG approaches and sustainable finance instruments. The plan includes establishing a national sustainable-finance system, creating the legal basis for a taxonomy of sustainable economic activities, introducing corporate sustainability due-diligence approaches and integrating ESG into public investment management. The government says the measures are intended to strengthen investor confidence, expand capital-market access and support Ukraine’s EU accession process. “ESG is about modern rules of economic development and attracting investment,” commented deputy minister of economy and environment of Ukraine, Oleksandr Krasnolutskyi.
Carlsberg Foundation marks 150 years
Carlsberg Group is marking the 150th anniversary of the Carlsberg Foundation, founded in 1876 by J.C. Jacobsen as the world’s first enterprise foundation. Through the Carlsberg Foundation, New Carlsberg Foundation and Tuborg Foundation, almost 30% of Carlsberg’s annual dividends are directed towards science, the arts and youth initiatives. “Our financial success translates directly into societal impact,” commented Jacob Aarup-Andersen, Carlsberg Group CEO.
Africa Business and Human Rights Forum calls for stronger environmental and human-rights action
The fifth Africa Business and Human Rights Forum concluded in Dakar after bringing together more than 1,100 delegates from 45 African countries. The three-day forum focused on human-rights and environmental due diligence, water and land rights, a just transition and access to remedy. Participants called for stronger enforcement and accountability, while noting that Africa holds 30% of the world’s known critical mineral reserves. The Forum was co-organised by the United Nations Global Compact, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), UNICEF and the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).
England’s reservoirs remain under drought pressure after sixth dry month of 2026
England recorded its sixth consecutive month of below-average rainfall in September, with national rainfall averaging 65% of normal. Reservoir storage was below half full in many areas, compared with an expected 74.3% at this time of year; Ardingly Reservoir was at 23% capacity and Wimbleball at 21%. The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said 120% of average rainfall over the next seven months would be needed for England to exit drought by spring.
Bain Capital expects sustainable aviation fuel demand to accelerate
Bain Capital, a major shareholder in sustainable aviation fuel producer EcoCeres, expects mandatory blending requirements to drive long-term SAF demand despite current excess capacity, Reuters reported. EcoCeres operates plants in China and Malaysia with combined annual capacity of 770,000 tonnes and plans a 450,000-tonne-a-year plant in Dongguan by 2030.
Supreme Court begins hearing case over corporate liability for climate damage
The US Supreme Court has begun its new term with a case brought by Boulder, Colorado, against ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy over alleged responsibility for climate-related damage, according to reports. Boulder is seeking compensation for infrastructure repairs and public-health impacts. The companies argue that federal law pre-empts the state-law claims. The outcome could affect nearly 60 similar climate-liability cases pending across the United States.
Australia reaches 100 community-battery milestone
Australia has reached 100 community batteries installed through projects supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. The batteries are designed to store surplus electricity generated during periods of high rooftop-solar production and make it available when demand is higher. “Community batteries help local communities make better use of rooftop solar by storing excess energy during the day and making it available when it is needed most,” commented Chris Faris, acting CEO, ARENA.
Insect declines threaten wildlife beyond insects themselves
A global study has found that insects provide other animals with food, shelter, medicine, sanitation and protection, meaning declining insect populations can affect wildlife well beyond insect species themselves. “Widespread insect declines globally are likely to have far-reaching effects on wildlife,” commented Dr Rob Cooke, a senior ecologist at UKCEH. “Beyond reducing an essential food source, losses of insects risk changing ecosystems, disrupting pollination and seed dispersal, weakening sanitation, and altering the many interactions that help ecosystems function.”