Latest climate news: EU greenwashing ban, wind farm cyberattacks and first IVF rhino 🦏
Plus our newest WONDR content, events and resources 👉
We’re rounding off the week with some of the biggest sustainability news from across the world and the WONDR community. We’d love to get your thoughts, so feel free to join in on the conversation!
🌳 Top story: EU ban on carbon claims
From 2026, companies will no longer be able to use carbon offsetting schemes to substantiate their eco-friendly credentials. This is due to concerns over 'misleading' and 'unintelligible' environmental claims.
Earlier this month, members of the European parliament supported a new directive that will allow only sustainability labels using approved certification schemes. This will effectively outlaw unsubstantiated terms like ‘climate neutral’ and ‘climate positive’.
It is believed that this will help to reduce greenwashing and enable consumers to make more sustainable choices.
🌎 World news
➡️ Apple has pushed back the release of its debut electric vehicle until at least 2028, according to Bloomberg. The company is also said to be scaling down its self-driving features.
➡️ A UN expert has described the UK’s crackdown on climate protestors as “chilling” and “regressive”. Michel Forst, the UN special rapporteur on environmental defenders, believes that fundamental freedoms are being restricted following the introduction of new laws designed to dissuade peaceful protestors.
➡️ The critically endangered northern white rhino could be saved from extinction after scientists in Berlin successfully carried out the first successful embryo transfer for the species. The world’s two existing white rhinos currently live in Kenya.
➡️ Offshore wind farms could be at risk of cyberattacks, according to a new study by Concordia University in Canada. Researchers found that farms connected to the main power grid using HDVC technologies could face new operational challenges as the emerging technology lacks the regulatory framework needed to protect itself.
🗣️ Creator opinion: Veganuary is a vital tool
Our team of Impact Creators are on hand to help you with your business dilemmas, including 1-1 sessions, workshops, Q&As and free online resources. As #Veganuary comes to an end, we’ve asked the WONDR community if it’s still a must-have for your calendar.
Graham explains: “If you aren’t in it, you potentially lose share/miss out [might offset] as you are more likely to be seen as ‘actively avoiding’ it. You could draw questions around your credentials if you are a food brand and not participating in some way. You gain share by being part of it as you openly put your company's beliefs out for the world to see.”
His advice includes to start planning before October - ideally June/July - so you don’t get caught up in the pre-Christmas rush. You could also consider collaborating with the official Veganuary team, as they spotlight companies who align with their content.
⭐ New online resources
We’ve teamed up with Impact Creator Julia Schetelig, Chief of Staff at Gridware, for a series of articles to boost workplace skills.
What is tree and forest leadership?
How to keep meetings productive
Conflict at work: can it be a good thing?
Plus Harold de Vries, Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of Hackurity, has shared his top learnings from the last two years.
8 key lessons as an entrepreneur
🎟️ Upcoming events
February
7th (Wednesday) - Workshop: Finding and working with manufacturers - 5pm GMT / 12pm ET / 9am PST
Evaluating partnership opportunities, establishing relationships, risks and mistakes
8th (Wednesday) - WONDR Community: Connect and solve - 4pm GMT / 11am ET / 8am PST
Forge new connections and tap into a collective pool of expertise to tackle challenges.
14th (Wednesday) - Workshop: Production and logistics: product and packaging - 5pm GMT / 12pm ET / 9am PST
Sampling, how to avoid overspending, setting realistic expectations, key launch deadlines