Latest news with #andEnergy
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New report reveals widespread trend of corporations falling short of crucial goals: 'It's not working out yet'
New report reveals widespread trend of corporations falling short of crucial goals: 'It's not working out yet' A report by Bloomberg has highlighted a trend of large corporations falling short of their sustainability commitments. What's happening? Voluntary action, Bloomberg explains, is making environmental responsibility optional while the planet continues to overheat. Peter Ford, former program lead of H&M Group's Sustainability and Energy Efficiency, shared his disappointment with the fashion industry's lack of progress in curbing pollution and waste. "As an industry, it's not working out yet," Ford said, per Bloomberg. Even with H&M's recent report of a 24% reduction in supply chain pollution, apparel pollution is projected to rise an additional 30% by the end of the decade, according to McKinsey & Co. According to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a corporate climate action organization that holds companies accountable in combating the climate crisis, almost 11,000 companies have announced sustainability commitments or set "science-based targets" — targets aligned with what climate science deems necessary to meet the climate goals of the Paris Agreement. The SBTi target dashboard tracks companies that have made climate pledges, as well as companies that have removed their commitments. According to the dashboard, more than 800 companies have since removed their commitments — Walmart being one of them. Earlier this year, Walmart announced its slow progress on reducing the company's pollution, admitting it was falling behind on its climate goals. Around the same time, oil and gas giant BP announced a plan to scrap renewable energy commitments, deciding to focus on dirty fuels instead. On the banking side, HSBC has been facing major backlash for going back on a promise to divest from oil and gas fields. It also raised over $1 million in funding for Glencore, a major coal producer. Voluntary action on environmental goals has made it easy for companies to backslide on sustainability pledges. As more companies drop out, others could be inclined to do the same. Why are climate goals important? A recent report by Sustainable Fitch found that 88% of the world's largest corporations and financial institutions either kept or expanded their climate pledges. However, that also means that 12% of companies, including the likes of Walmart, BP, and HSBC, lowered or dropped their commitments. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Among the many changes that the Trump administration has implemented are renouncements of climate programs and policies that worked toward reaching climate goals to help curb the planet's overheating. However, without the support of the government, climate responsibility becomes even more of a choice for large corporations that had previously pledged to do better. Meanwhile, the planet is rapidly overheating due to human-induced pollution of heat-trapping gases from burning dirty fossil fuels for energy. Rising global temperatures, linked to increased extreme weather events, have dire consequences for all life on Earth. What can I do to help? Forming a unified front in the fight against rising global temperatures and changing climates is key to achieving effective progress. However, change can also happen on an individual level. Being part of the solution requires first learning about critical climate issues and understanding how different aspects of your lifestyle may be contributing to the larger problem. Simple switches you can make to lower your carbon footprint include walking or biking instead of driving, or driving an electric vehicle instead of a gas-powered car. Shopping secondhand instead of buying things new and supporting brands that align with environmental values are other ways to help. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Millions Told To Halt Outdoors Activity In 7 States
Millions of people across the United States have been advised to limit outdoors activity amid concerns over high air pollution levels. Air quality advisories have been issued on Tuesday for parts of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Colorado. The warnings mean that ground-level ozone concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels that could pose a risk to sensitive groups and the general public. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned in its alert notices that people who are particularly sensitive to elevated pollution levels include "the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease." "Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects," it said. "If you have heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your healthcare provider." In Michigan, an Air Quality Advisory has been issued for a large swathe of south-eastern counties, covering major urban areas including Detroit, Flint and Ann Arbor. Pollutants are expected to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range. "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma," the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert. In New York, an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulates has been issued for large parts of the state's north-east and north-west, covering cities including Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton. In Vermont, an advisory has been issued for Caledonia, Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Essex, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington counties. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the greater Chicago metropolitan area. This is declared when widespread ozone levels are expected to be at or above the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category. Air quality alerts have also been issued across northern Minnesota and far north-west Indiana. Meanwhile in Colorado, an air quality health advisory has been issued for wildfire smoke in Delta, Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, and southern Mesa counties. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert: "People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which can lead to ozone formation. These activities include: refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling, using gasoline powered lawn equipment, using charcoal lighter fluid." The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said: "Here are some recommended actions that the public can take: Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation; Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip; Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7pm; Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds; Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above." The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said: "If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than five miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy." Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, told Newsweek previously that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." The air quality alerts in Michigan, New York, Vermont, Illinois and Indiana are currently set to remain in force until midnight, while the warning in Minnesota is set to run until 11 p.m. The air quality alert in Colorado is set to expire at 9 a.m. Related Articles New Jersey Flash Flooding Sparks State of Emergency: What We KnowNew Weather Threat Takes Aim at TexasTexas Flooding Update: Volunteers Given Urgent WarningLake Mead Warning Issued Over 'Lethal Temperatures' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Halt Outdoors Activity In 7 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of people across the United States have been advised to limit outdoors activity amid concerns over high air pollution levels. Air quality advisories have been issued on Tuesday for parts of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Colorado. The warnings mean that ground-level ozone concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels that could pose a risk to sensitive groups and the general public. The Willis Tower in Chicago surrounding by air pollution in July 2023. The Willis Tower in Chicago surrounding by air pollution in July 2023. Claire Savage/AP Why It Matters The National Weather Service (NWS) warned in its alert notices that people who are particularly sensitive to elevated pollution levels include "the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease." "Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects," it said. "If you have heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your healthcare provider." What To Know In Michigan, an Air Quality Advisory has been issued for a large swathe of south-eastern counties, covering major urban areas including Detroit, Flint and Ann Arbor. Pollutants are expected to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range. "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma," the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert. In New York, an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulates has been issued for large parts of the state's north-east and north-west, covering cities including Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton. In Vermont, an advisory has been issued for Caledonia, Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Essex, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington counties. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the greater Chicago metropolitan area. This is declared when widespread ozone levels are expected to be at or above the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category. Air quality alerts have also been issued across northern Minnesota and far north-west Indiana. Meanwhile in Colorado, an air quality health advisory has been issued for wildfire smoke in Delta, Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, and southern Mesa counties. What People Are Saying The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert: "People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which can lead to ozone formation. These activities include: refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling, using gasoline powered lawn equipment, using charcoal lighter fluid." The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said: "Here are some recommended actions that the public can take: Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation; Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip; Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7pm; Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds; Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above." The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said: "If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than five miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy." Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, told Newsweek previously that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." What Happens Next The air quality alerts in Michigan, New York, Vermont, Illinois and Indiana are currently set to remain in force until midnight, while the warning in Minnesota is set to run until 11 p.m. The air quality alert in Colorado is set to expire at 9 a.m.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Final agreement reached between state and St. Clair County over Smiths Creek Landfill
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has entered into a final agreement with Smiths Creek Landfill following a period of public comment. A draft agreement was between the state and the landfill after the Smiths Creek Landfill was accused of multiple violations. Michigan's Air Quality Division sent seven violation notices to St. Clair County regarding the landfill between October 2023 and July 2024. Kimball Township residents have long complained of the smell coming from the landfill. The county was also cited for failure to comply with multiple state and federal rules required as part of its renewable operating permit. Since the first violation notice was issued in October 2023, Smiths Creek Landfill has spent $2.3 million on upgrades to the landfill in an attempt to resolve the odor issue, according to the finalized administrative consent order. More: In-person public meeting on Smiths Creek Landfill issues held May 22 More news: Michigan AG settles lawsuit with Domtar over PFAS contamination in St. Clair County Under the consent order, St. Clair County will be able to enter a Supplemental Environmental Project. Under this plan, St. Clair County will pay $37,000 of the $145,000 penalty fee to the state while the remaining $108,000 to be used on the project. Funds for the payment and the environmental project will be paid from the St. Clair County's Sanitary Landfill Fund. The change to the plan came after the department took in public comments on the draft administrative consent order between April 22 and June 6, including an in-person and virtual public meeting. According to the summary, some of the comments requested fines against Smiths Creek Landfill be used to help the community. The summary states that the Supplemental Environmental Project can only be entered voluntarily by the county. If St. Clair County doesn't develop a project to use the $108,000 locally within a year, it will be required to pay that amount to the state. The state will also post updates on Smiths Creek Landing and its compliance with the administrative consent order online at Documents related to the agreement are also available online at Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@ This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Smiths Creek Landfill violations: Michigan Kimball Township landfill plan
African Manager
10-07-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Textiles: local fabric production on a razor's edge
Exports from Tunisia's textile and clothing sector rose by 2.61% year-on-year by the end of May 2025, reaching 3,942 million dinars, according to Sabeur Ben Kilani, Director General of Textiles and Clothing at the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy. Imports in the sector also increased by 5.41%, amounting to 3,107 million dinars, he added during a study day held at the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP), dedicated to Tunisia's textile industry. Nearly 87% of all textile exports are destined for European markets, with France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and the USA as the main clients. Low local fabric production Ben Kilani noted that fabrics represent 67% of the sector's imports, most of which come from Europe. Alarmingly, local fabric production meets only 7% of the sector's needs, reflecting a lack of integration due to the absence of large-scale local companies capable of producing fabrics at the required quality and volume. Challenges facing the sector He highlighted several external challenges, including rising maritime shipping costs and delays, weakened European consumer purchasing power and strategic shifts in the EU market outlook for 2030. Internally, the sector faces shortages of skilled labor, high energy and water costs, burdensome administrative procedures, limited access to bank financing, complex customs and social security procedures and delays in completing the Monastir El Fejja collective wastewater treatment plant Other internal obstacles include outdated public procurement processes, weak regulation of products in the domestic market, limited technical inspection of imported goods, and poor coordination among stakeholders. Urgent action needed To tackle the labor shortage, Ben Kilani proposed forming a task force to draft an urgent action plan and better coordinate international vocational training programs. He also called for mobilizing funding and accelerating the Monastir El Fejja wastewater project. He urged more flexibility for financially struggling companies, revising late payment penalties, and simplifying the licensing process for businesses outside industrial zones. He also recommended involving the Textile Technical Center in support efforts and improving the list of products subject to import technical controls.
