UN talks on a shipping emissions tax face challenges due to concerns about its impact on food security, particularly for developing countries. Countries like Egypt, Kenya, Togo, and Bangladesh are calling for a detailed impact assessment to ensure a fair transition. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to implement a greenhouse gas strategy, including a green fuel standard and emissions pricing mechanism. While some countries oppose the levy, others suggest a flexible approach combining a levy with the green fuel standard. The management and distribution of revenues remain contentious, with suggestions for external trustees like the World Bank or Green Climate Fund.

The article discusses the increasing global legal and regulatory challenges associated with PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals'. It highlights the growing number of lawsuits in the US, where litigation has been more impactful than in the EU, and the potential for more cases due to new EPA regulations. The article also covers developments in Europe, where litigation is less advanced but evolving, and mentions a significant settlement by 3M in Belgium. The challenges of proving causation in PFAS-related health issues are noted, with experts suggesting that scientific advancements and legal strategies will be crucial in future cases.

A coalition of NGOs, including Amnesty International and Greenpeace, criticizes the EU for exporting substances banned domestically due to health and environmental concerns. They highlight loopholes in EU legislation that allow such exports, calling for comprehensive legislation to prevent this practice. The NGOs argue that the current situation undermines the EU's environmental and human rights commitments. Enforcement of existing regulations remains a challenge, with the European Commission acknowledging difficulties in monitoring compliance.

The UK 'green channel' scheme, launched by the UK Intellectual Property Office in 2009, has seen a significant increase in patent requests, particularly from UK-based applicants. The scheme aims to expedite the patenting process for environmentally beneficial innovations, with sectors like recycling and pollution reduction prominently featured. The report by Mewburn Ellis highlights the scheme's success in granting patents faster than the average UK process, making it attractive for smaller companies. Similar fast-track processes exist in other countries, with varying requirements. The demand for green tech scaling is prompting calls for more accessible acceleration schemes globally.

The European Commission has requested the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (Efrag) to delay its work on sector-specific sustainability reporting standards to provide additional guidance on existing sector-agnostic proposals. This move aims to ease the burden on businesses and stakeholders involved in consultations. Efrag will adjust its workplan and increase staff to support the implementation of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which are crucial for the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The directive will require nearly 50,000 companies to report on social, environmental, and governance factors starting in 2024. The ESRS are based on the principle of double materiality, differing from the International Sustainability Standards Board's focus on financial materiality. The commission's request aligns with the EU's goal to reduce corporate reporting requirements by 25% to enhance market competitiveness.

The UK government has unveiled a road map to revive the nuclear energy industry, including plans for a new power station and a £300mn nuclear fuel programme. Consultations on siting new nuclear power stations and attracting private capital will be open until March 10 and April 4, respectively. Norway has agreed to deep-sea mining.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has introduced a sustainable finance taxonomy, becoming the first to include transition categories. The taxonomy uses a traffic light system to distinguish between green investments and those aiding the transition to net zero but not meeting green criteria. It covers eight economic sectors and emphasizes the early phase-out of coal power plants, particularly in Asia. The framework aims to support activities on a pathway to net zero or contributing to net zero outcomes.

ClientEarth has filed a lawsuit against Danone in a Paris court, alleging the company violates France’s Corporate Duty of Vigilance Law by failing to effectively reduce its single-use plastic footprint. Supported by Surfrider Foundation Europe and Zero Waste France, the NGO claims Danone's efforts are insufficient, focusing only on recyclability. Danone disputes the accusations, advocating for a global treaty on plastics. The case highlights broader issues of corporate responsibility and environmental law, with potential implications for other French companies and ongoing litigation against TotalEnergies over environmental concerns in Uganda and Tanzania.

The European Commission has initiated a consultation to design sustainability agreements for the agriculture sector, indicating a willingness to relax competition rules. The EU's recent agricultural policy reform allows for certain antitrust exemptions, applicable only when agreements are essential to meet sustainability standards exceeding mandatory EU or national levels.

Key announcements from the 2023 UN climate conference in Dubai, focusing on the momentum gained for phasing out fossil fuels during energy day. The day started with the release of the latest 'global stocktake' at 5am local time, highlighting the differing visions and exhaustion among participants.