business
Newsletter
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Inter-American court reviews corporate roles in climate change crises
A pivotal hearing at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights examines whether businesses can be held legally accountable for climate change impacts on human rights.
In short:
- Legal and activist communities at the Inter-American Court urge businesses to prevent climate change-related human rights violations.
- Key arguments emphasize the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Legal experts advocate for stringent regulations on industries to uphold human rights amidst escalating climate threats.
Key quote:
“It’s not possible to guarantee human rights without combating climate change. And it’s not possible to combat climate change without regulating business conduct ... ”
— Nikki Reisch, director of climate and energy at the Center for International Environmental Law
Why this matters:
Businesses, particularly in industries like manufacturing, energy, and agriculture, have been significant contributors to carbon emissions and environmental changes that affect basic human needs—access to clean water, safe housing, and secure food sources.
If businesses can be held liable for harming the climate, then it could lead to new standards of corporate behavior, forcing companies to reconsider their environmental policies and practices.
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Credit: Zachary Theodore/Unsplash
Shell scales back its climate goals amid business growth
In a strategic pivot, Shell aims for a modest reduction in emissions by 2030, facing criticism for prioritizing expansion over environmental commitments.
Jillian Ambrose reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Shell adjusts its carbon emissions reduction target to 15-20% by 2030, down from an initial 20%.
- The company plans to expand its liquified natural gas operations and maintain current oil production levels.
- Critics denounce the move as a step back for climate action, highlighting Shell's focus on profit over planet health.
Key quote:
This "retrograde step" shows once again that Shell has "no interest in acting for the climate."
— Agathe Masson, campaign group Reclaim Finance
Why this matters:
Shell's decision reflects a broader tension in the energy sector between economic growth and environmental stewardship. With the climate crisis looming, the strategies of major energy firms have significant implications for global efforts to combat climate change, affecting health and sustainability initiatives worldwide.
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Credit: Dawid Zawiła/Unsplash
Investing in nature's intrinsic value
Imagine a market where nature's preservation, not destruction, is profitable.
In short:
- "Natural asset companies" propose valuing ecosystems for their preservation, potentially transforming them into profitable investments.
- The concept, though facing opposition, aims to integrate nature's value into the market, beyond traditional philanthropy and government efforts.
- This innovative approach has garnered interest from environmentalists, investors, and philanthropists, despite regulatory and ideological challenges.
Key quote:
"All of these things, if you think about it, are social agreements to a degree. And the beauty of a financial system is between a willing buyer and seller, the underlying becomes true."
— Douglas Eger, founder of Intrinsic Exchange Group
Why this matters:
This idea represents a novel approach that could significantly impact health outcomes by fostering ecosystems that clean air and water, crucial for public health. This concept, blending environmentalism with market mechanisms, could redefine conservation strategies on a global scale.
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Photo by Austin Laser on Unsplash
Business coalition sues California over nation-leading climate disclosure laws
Thousands of large businesses operating in the state would be required to disclose their carbon footprint and climate-related financial risks under the laws.
Newsletter
Photo by Delfino Barboza on Unsplash
Texas sees ‘bonanza’ in carbon storage market
Carbon capture has excited politicians in hydrocarbon-rich Texas because it involves cashing in on a new round of federal subsidies to scale up an activity that oil producers have already been doing for a long time: pumping liquefied carbon gas into the ground.
Top Story
Photo by Patrick Weissenberger on Unsplash
U.S. companies scramble ahead of EU climate disclosure rules
Looming compliance dates in the European Union mean American companies can no longer afford to wait and see what U.S. regulators will do.
Photo by Lenka Dzurendova on Unsplash
The moonshot climate entrepreneurs should pursue
A former Apple exec explains when you make the ‘right’ thing to do the ‘easy’ thing to do, people change their daily rituals.
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