📝 New US Law Reshapes Climate Policy

👋 Hi there, Good morning. ✨

In this week’s edition:
1. Last week’s top climate news - New US Law Reshapes Climate Policy
2. TrimTab Nudge - Activate Climate Champions Across the Company
3. And other news including - M&S funds innovations to cut supplier emissions; EFRAG Considers 66% Reduction in European Sustainability Reporting Standards Datapoints; and Indonesia says EU deforestation law is still unworkable

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And now, here’s what you need to know for w/c 14th of July 2025 in 5 minutes.

TOP STORY
NEW US LAW RESHAPES CLIMATE POLICY

🔎  What’s going on?
On July 4th, a major US bill, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)”, was signed into law, reshaping US energy and climate policy. Supporters say it boosts U.S. energy independence and economic growth; however, critics warn that it could lead to significant climate setbacks.

📝 What does this law mean for the climate?
The legislation removes subsidies for wind, solar, and electric vehicles by September, repeals the U.S. Green Bank, and increases support for domestic oil, coal, and gas production. It also limits the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to fund nonprofit climate initiatives. Independent analysis suggests the bill could lead to an estimated 7 billion tonnes of additional CO₂ emissions by 2030, compared to previous U.S. climate targets - roughly equal to the annual emissions of Indonesia, the world’s sixth-largest emitter. The law is expected to slow the expansion of US solar and wind power, along with electric vehicle sales and energy efficiency improvements.

❓ Why should I care?
The U.S. is the world’s second-largest emitter, and its policies have far-reaching climate, economic, and health implications. Experts warn that rolling back clean energy support could slow innovation, raise energy costs, and delay emissions reduction, all amid intensifying climate impacts.

🚦 Where do we need to be?
To meet the global Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C, emissions must fall 43% by 2030. Under this law, US emissions are now projected to fall just 20% from 2005 levels by 2030 - far short of the previous 50 to 52% target. This makes climate action at other levels — local government, business, and civil society—even more critical.

👤 What can I do about it?
For businesses:
- Integrate climate and energy into your business strategy — Understand how policy changes impact operations, risk, and future growth.
- Invest in clean innovation and energy efficiency — Cut energy costs, build resilience, and stay competitive by reducing emissions and adopting sustainable practices.
- Engage in constructive policy dialogue — Work with industry groups, regulators, and policymakers to shape future-focused policies that support both business and climate.

For individuals:
- Stay informed and vote — Understand how energy and climate policies affect your life, and your community.
- Make smart energy choices — Choose renewable energy plans, reduce home energy use, and consider EVs or public transport when practical.

TRIMTAB NUDGE™
Small actions. Massive impact.
In systems thinking, a TrimTab is a small adjustment that redirects a much larger system, like the miniature rudder that turns a ship’s main rudder. Inspired by this idea, a TrimTab Nudge is a small, strategic action business leaders can take today to help shift complex systems — from climate to culture — in the right direction.
Each week, we’ll share one powerful, high-leverage nudge you can act on with minimal effort but maximum impact. These nudges can be an idea, action or innovation that creates ripple effects across systems, influencing how businesses, policies, or investments shape our planet.

TrimTab Nudge: Activate Climate Champions Across the Company

🧭 What it is:
Create a voluntary, cross-functional Climate Champions Network where employees from all levels and departments can contribute ideas, lead small sustainability initiatives, and help embed climate thinking into everyday work.

💡 Why it matters:
When employees are invited to co-own climate action, it builds buy-in, sparks creativity, and spreads responsibility across the business—not just in the sustainability team. People support what they help create.

🌊 Systemic ripple effect:
Engaged employees become internal change agents. This nudge shifts culture from compliance to ownership, turning climate into a shared mission and creating momentum that flows across teams, hierarchies, and decision-making structures.

📈 Example:
Unilever’s employee-led sustainability initiatives have driven packaging reductions, waste savings, and innovation in multiple product lines—originating from bottom-up ideas supported by leadership.

✅ Take action today:
→ Invite staff to join a “Green Team” or Climate Champions group—start small and keep it open.
→ Give visibility to team wins in internal newsletters, town halls, or intranet features.
→ Empower action—let employees pitch low-carbon solutions or lead mini pilots with leadership support.

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🎯 THINGS TO KNOW

Corporate Responsibility & Leadership
> Google Reduces Data Center Emissions, but Supply Chain Continues to Drive Carbon Footprint Higher
> Microsoft Emissions Up 23%, Invests in Waste-to-Energy Project to Capture 3 Million Tons of CO₂
> Shell, Accenture, and Amex GBT Launch Blockchain Platform to Scale Green Jet Fuel

Biodiversity & Nature-Based Solutions
> AI for berries and lower-methane beef: M&S funds innovations to cut supplier emissions
> Businesses collaborate on sustainability roadmap for dairy farmers
> Unlocking Benefits for People, Nature, and Climate in England

Sustainability Innovations
> Veolia Invests $90 M in UK’s First Closed-Loop Recycling Plant
> UK Government invests £452m in next-gen battery innovations
> Lush partners with Google AI to automate packaging-free checkouts

Climate & Nature Finance
> EU to Develop Nature Credits Market to Fund More Sustainable Agriculture Practices
> HSBC exits net-zero banking climate coalition
> Sumitomo to Facilitate Over $10 Billion in Clean Energy Investments in UK

Policy & Regulation
> EU Lawmakers Reject EUDR’s Country Risk System in New Setback to Deforestation Regulation and Indonesia says EU deforestation law is still unworkable
> China sets its first renewable standards for steel, cement and polysilicon
> California Releases FAQ to Guide Companies Beginning Mandatory Climate Reporting

Reporting & Standards
> EFRAG Considers 66% Reduction in European Sustainability Reporting Standards Datapoints
> Microsoft and Carbon Direct Publish 2025 Standards for High-Quality Carbon Dioxide Removal
> EU Delays Increased Sustainability Reporting Requirements for Large Companies by 2 Years