The Week in Sustainability Sustain.Life

Last year, the global average person experienced 26 more days of abnormally high heat due to climate change, significantly impacting vulnerable populations and prompting cities to adopt heat action plans despite the unreliable relief from natural climate patterns like La Niña. Additionally, increased flight turbulence incidents, rising 15% this year, are linked to climate change-altering jet streams. These challenges highlight the need for advanced prediction models, updated air travel safety policies, and better preparedness for evolving aviation risks.

California’s recent budget approval to fund the implementation of SB climate package bills signifies a monumental stride in climate accountability. With $22 million allocated, California must enforce legislation like SB 253 and SB 261, solidifying its position as a leader in environmental regulation. Spearheaded by organizations like Ceres, this funding ensures transparent climate disclosures, empowering companies and investors to navigate climate risks and opportunities with clarity and confidence.

This week:


We sat down with AArete, who supports higher education institutions in leveraging data to enhance sustainability and profitability. Universities face unique challenges due to their non-profit status, focusing on long-term impact rather than short-term financial returns.  Effective procurement strategies involve choosing suppliers committed to achieving net-zero emissions and implementing automated data collection, which is essential for simplifying reporting and implementing actionable climate strategies.  

This week:






– The interoperability guidance released by ESRS and ISSB standards, aiming to streamline reporting efforts across different sustainability reporting frameworks.


– The release of the new CDP's 2024 reporting questionnaire, highlighting its alignment with various reporting standards and frameworks such as TCFD, TNFD, SEC's climate disclosure rule, and EU's ESRS, along with the support provided by Sustained Life as an accredited solution provider.

The U.S. and E.U. are taking decisive regulatory steps towards decarbonization, emphasizing cleaner energy and tighter pollution controls. In the U.S., the EPA’s new power plant regulations prioritize environmental safeguards, while the E.U.’s Net Zero Industry Act promotes decarbonization technologies and competitiveness. Despite challenges, both regions showcase determination and innovation in driving global climate action.

A recent study predicts a $38 trillion annual loss by 2049 due to climate change, disproportionately affecting poorer nations and regions like the southeastern United States and southern Europe. Meanwhile, legal scholars are proposing to hold oil companies accountable for climate-related deaths, akin to past cases against tobacco companies. These discussions highlight the urgent need for collective action to address economic forecasts and legal accountability in combating climate change.