Trump Plans to Drill in Alaskan Wilderness; Japan Develops Ocean-Dissolving Plastic

The Trump administration is set to roll back protections for Alaska’s ecosystem, allowing for oil drilling, provoking backlash from environmentalists. In Japan, scientists are developing plastics that dissolve in saltwater as a solution to plastic pollution. Colombia faces setbacks in wind energy projects due to firm withdrawals, while the UK grapples with potential billion-dollar carbon taxes as it seeks to link its market with the EU.

In the latest ESG news, the Trump administration is set to roll back environmental protections in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, allowing oil companies to drill in delicate ecosystems. This move has drawn criticism from environmentalists and some Alaska Native groups who caution that such actions could exacerbate wildlife threats and climate change impacts. Matt Jackson from The Wilderness Society stated that, “this move will accelerate the climate crisis at a time when the ground beneath Alaska communities is literally melting away and subsistence foods are in decline.” Interestingly, some Native groups support this approach, citing economic benefits from oil extraction as a driving factor. This is emblematic of Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” philosophy, which pushes for increased fossil fuel production in the U.S. while simultaneously curtailing climate policies.

In technology news, researchers in Wako, Japan, are on the verge of a breakthrough: they are developing plastics that dissolve in saltwater. This effort aims to combat the anticipated rise in plastic production, with UN estimates suggesting an upsurge that could lead to 23-37 million metric tons of additional waste by 2040. Their innovation is a biodegradable material that could dissolve within hours in seawater. Unlike current biodegradable plastics, this new version is non-toxic and leaves no microplastics behind, promising a cleaner alternative for industries relying on conventional plastics.

A recent turn of events in Colombia’s renewable energy sector has seen major players like Enel and EDP Renewables withdraw from wind energy projects, particularly in the La Guajira region, despite its high wind potential. Withdrawals stem from regulatory challenges, simmering tensions with the Wayuu Indigenous community, and grid infrastructure issues. Only two operational wind farms exist in the area, generating under 32 megawatts of electricity. In response, Colombian-owned Ecopetrol is forging ahead with plans for nine projects that combine wind and solar power, aimed at contributing a significant 1.3 gigawatts to the energy grid.

Meanwhile, the UK is racing against time to navigate new carbon taxes potentially costing up to $1 billion. As the 2026 deadline approaches, Britain faces the challenge of linking its carbon market to that of the EU, a task many experts believe will not be fully realized until at least 2028. Without this linkage, British companies could be responsible for hefty annual fees—around £800 million, or approximately $1 billion. Addressing obstacles like carbon pricing and trading permits will be essential for a successful integration of the markets.

In the spotlight, this week’s featured ESG tool is Klimado, designed to help users track environmental changes, making climate awareness more accessible than ever. With a focus on local and global environmental shifts, Klimado proves to be an essential asset for individuals and organizations concerned about sustainability.

The landscape of ESG issues is marked by critical decisions and innovative developments as seen from Trump’s Alaskan drilling plans to Japan’s ocean-dissolving plastic. The challenges faced in Colombia’s wind projects and the looming threat of carbon taxes on the UK serve as reminders of the complex interplay outside and within market forces that shape global sustainability efforts. As stakeholders navigate these waters, the focus on sustainable practices remains vital.

Original Source: impakter.com