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After two intense weeks of negotiations in Baku, Azerbaijan, COP29 concluded with a mix of notable advancements and lingering frustrations. While the summit offered a glimpse of global cooperation on climate change, particularly in terms of climate finance and emissions reduction, key issues remained unresolved, especially for developing nations bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.

In a significant move to elevate corporate transparency on sustainability issues, Belgium has officially implemented the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), further solidifying its commitment to climate action and responsible business practices. The CSRD introduces a new set of rigorous requirements that will reshape the way companies across Europe disclose environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. For Belgium, this marks a decisive step toward aligning with EU-wide sustainability mandates and raising the bar for corporate accountability in a rapidly changing world.

A proposed delay to the European Union's landmark deforestation regulation has stirred up significant uncertainty across global commodities markets. The law, designed to tackle deforestation linked to the importation of key agricultural products such as cattle, coffee, cocoa, and soy, would require companies to trace and map their supply chains to ensure they do not contribute to forest destruction. Originally set to come into effect on December 30, 2024, the delay proposal is seen as an attempt to offer producers, particularly in developing countries, more time to adjust to the stringent new requirements. Yet, for many, this postponement might only delay the inevitable, leaving both small farmers and larger corporations grappling with the regulatory and logistical challenges ahead.

Better Cotton, the global sustainability initiative for cotton production, has joined forces with the Make the Label Count coalition (MTLC) to urge the European Commission (EC) to reassess its Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology for fashion and textiles. The coalition, comprising over 50 organizations from the natural fibre and environmental sectors, is pressing for more accurate and credible sustainability metrics in the industry.

A recent study from Sourcing Champions signals a concerning stall in net-zero progress among global companies, particularly in emissions tied to supply chains and procurement. While larger firms are more likely to have set formal net-zero targets, many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lag behind. This growing disparity, especially among smaller firms critical to global supply chains, could undermine broader climate goals if left unaddressed.

The apparel industry, long criticized for its opaque supply chains, may be on the brink of transformation through the adoption of DNA-based tracking. As stakeholders increasingly demand proof of ethical practices, sustainability, and authenticity, DNA technology offers a sophisticated and virtually tamper-proof solution for ensuring transparency, countering counterfeit goods, and strengthening quality control measures.

As COP29 opens this week in Azerbaijan, global leaders are gathering with high expectations to deliver on COP28’s groundbreaking resolutions to phase out fossil fuels and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Positioned as a "finance COP," COP29’s mission is to establish mechanisms and targets that will fund this historic energy transition. Yet, with Azerbaijan—a nation heavily reliant on fossil fuels—as host, the outcome depends heavily on whether progressive nations can steer the summit toward concrete action.

A widening skills gap in the United States may hinder both corporate and national ambitions to achieve critical climate targets. LinkedIn’s recent Global Green Skills Report reveals that U.S. companies are facing a shortage of “green skills”—from decarbonization expertise to sustainable procurement knowledge—necessary to align with sustainability goals. While demand for green-skilled workers surged over the last year, the supply has struggled to keep pace. The report suggests that the current green talent pool must double if businesses are to support increasingly ambitious sustainability frameworks.

Ecuador remains a world leader in banana exports, with the EU serving as its largest market. However, the growing sustainability and compliance requirements imposed by European regulators are creating both opportunities and challenges for Ecuador’s banana sector. As the industry aligns with the EU’s Green Deal and “Farm to Fork” strategy, stakeholders are seeking solutions to balance increased costs with fair pricing practices.

Adore Me, the lingerie brand owned by Victoria’s Secret, is making strides in sustainable fashion through its partnership with CommonShare. Since joining Adore Me’s Sustainability Accelerator last summer, the two companies have collaborated on the implementation of real-time digital product passports (DPPs) for 100 items, with plans to expand this initiative across the entire product range by early 2025.