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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Canadian wildfire costs could exceed $2tn this century
Simon Fraser University researchers estimate that climate-change-driven wildfire impacts could cost Canada more than C$2 trillion cumulatively over the 21st century if global warming is not curbed. The study places a monetary value on projected wildfire activity and its impacts and is among the studies attempting to quantify the long-term economic cost of climate-driven wildfire risk in Canada. “Societal and economic costs of wildfire are highly dependent on the actions that we take to mitigate climate change right now,” commented Sian Kou-Giesbrecht, assistant professor of resource and environmental management and the study’s lead author.
Vegan Society of Ireland calls for plant-based action plan to strengthen Irish food security
The Vegan Society of Ireland is calling for a state-backed Plant-Based Food Fund and a national plant-based food action plan, with dedicated support for farmers moving into horticulture. The organisation says about 83% of fruit and vegetables consumed in Ireland are imported and that fewer than 70 commercial vegetable growers remain, compared with more than 600 in the 1990s. The group is also calling for capital grants and Teagasc support for farmers.
Helical Fusion raises ¥3.23bn to advance commercial fusion programme
Japanese fusion company Helical Fusion has completed a ¥3.23 billion (about $20.6 million) second close of its Series B financing. Fuji Electric has joined as an investor and official partner, alongside Hazama Ando, Fujikura, Tokyo Gas, KKT, Urata and others. Helical Fusion says the funding will accelerate development of its Helix programme, including the Helix HARUKA demonstration device and Helix KANATA, its planned first fusion power plant.
Veolia completes $58m climate-resilient wastewater facility in New Jersey
Veolia has completed a $58 million replacement for the 55-year-old Princeton Meadows wastewater treatment facility in New Jersey. The plant serves about 11,000 residents and businesses and includes advanced ultraviolet disinfection, high-efficiency biological treatment and energy-efficient equipment. The site has supplied 1.4 billion gallons of reclaimed water for local irrigation since 1971. “This next-generation facility exemplifies Veolia’s commitment to environmental security, public health and sustainable infrastructure,” said Nadege Petit, CEO of Veolia in North America.
Northern Ireland releases first £15m sustainable-farming investment offers
Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs will issue the first £15 million of Letters of Offer under its Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme on 8 October. The scheme provides £40 million of investment support to farm businesses over three to four years. The funding supports on-farm investment intended to improve business efficiency and environmental performance, with successful applicants given 28 days to accept their offers.
Australia invests $3m in Pacific climate-resilience infrastructure
Australia will invest A$3 million through the Climate Infrastructure for Resilient Coastlines and Riverbanks project to protect Pacific infrastructure and communities from climate impacts. The programme combines nature-based measures including revegetation, agroforestry and mangrove planting with structures such as seawalls. Projects cover the Wau-Bulolo Highway in Papua New Guinea, Kings and Queens Roads in Fiji, and the East Micronesia Cable landing site in Kiribati.
Kazakhstan and Green Climate Fund establish national climate investment platform
Kazakhstan and the Green Climate Fund have signed an agreement to establish the Qazaqstan Climate Investment Platform, according to reports. The project is valued at more than $1 million and is intended to develop a national pipeline of structured climate projects capable of attracting financing from the Green Climate Fund, Kazakhstan Development Bank and other international and national financial partners.
Convergent and Nouryon bring 2MW solar system online
Convergent Energy and Power has brought a 2MW onsite solar system into commercial operation at Nouryon’s manufacturing facility in Morris, Illinois. The system was developed under a long-term power purchase agreement and is expected to provide renewable electricity to the site. Nouryon says the project will contribute to its target of reducing absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse-gas emissions by 40% by 2030 against a 2019 baseline.
Golf Ireland initiative wins Sport Positive Transformation Award
Golf Ireland’s Drive The Green initiative has won the Transformation Award at the 2026 Sport Positive Awards. The programme focuses on sustainability across Irish golf clubs, including environmental management and measures intended to reduce the sport’s environmental impact. The award recognises the initiative’s work in supporting clubs to implement sustainability practices across their operations. “To be recognised on the global stage, against such strong international competition, is humbling,” commented Ann Courtney, head of sustainability, Golf Ireland. “Above all, it gives credibility to the work clubs across Ireland have been doing, often quietly, for years.”
Wildfire ozone pollution reduces Amazon rainforest carbon uptake
University of Exeter researchers have found that ozone pollution produced by Amazon wildfires significantly reduces the rainforest’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide. The research was published in Communications Earth & Environment and examined the effect of wildfire-derived ozone on the Amazon carbon sink. “Forest fires don’t just release CO2 when they burn,” commented lead author Dr. Flossie Brown, of ETH Zurich. “They also contribute to the rise in ground-level ozone, a pollutant that damages the leaves of surviving trees and reduces their ability to keep absorbing carbon afterward.”