Today’s ESG Updates
- China’s Carbon Revisions Raise Transparency Concerns: A new report suggested that changes to China’s emissions calculations may have significantly reduced the country’s reported carbon growth, raising concerns over climate transparency and accountability.
- UK Energy Bills Rise Amid Iran Conflict: Britain’s energy regulator increased the domestic price cap after wholesale gas prices surged due to tensions in the Middle East, placing additional pressure on households already facing high living costs.
- Vietnam Heatwave Strains National Power Grid: Extreme temperatures and the possible return of El Niño have increased pressure on Vietnam’s electricity system, with officials warning of worsening energy shortages and rising demand.
- Pluxee Faces Antitrust Fine in Chile: Chile’s competition authority sought a major fine against Pluxee over alleged collusion with Edenred in the country’s voucher market, adding to concerns over corporate governance and market competition.
Report says China’s new carbon metrics may weaken climate targets
China’s latest carbon intensity data indicates a major shift in how the country calculates emissions, according to a report by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Researchers estimated that emissions growth between 2020 and 2025 was effectively reduced from 14% to 7% under the revised methodology.
The changes were said to include excluding some non-energy uses of fossil fuels while incorporating industrial process emissions. Concerns were raised that the revised calculations could weaken the transparency of China’s climate targets and make progress harder to track. The report also suggested that China could still meet its 2030 climate commitments even if overall emissions continue to rise.
***
Further reading: China’s new carbon metrics ‘erased half’ of emissions growth reported from 2020 to 2025, report says
Klimado – Navigating climate complexity just got easier. Klimado offers a user-friendly platform for tracking local and global environmental shifts, making it an essential tool for climate-aware individuals and organizations.
UK energy bills set to rise amid Iran conflict
British households are expected to face higher energy costs from July after the energy regulator, Ofgem, raised the domestic energy price cap by 13%. Average annual bills on variable tariffs are set to increase by around £221, with higher wholesale gas prices cited as the main driver.
The surge in prices has been linked to conflict in the Middle East and disruption risks around the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for liquefied natural gas shipments. Consumer groups warned that rising energy costs would place even more pressure on low-income households already struggling with high living expenses. They called on the government to introduce additional support measures, while ministers defended long-term plans to expand renewable energy and reduce the country’s reliance on gas.
***
Further reading: Energy bills in Britain to jump 13% on impact of Iran war
Related Articles
Here is a list of articles selected by our Editorial Board that have gained significant interest from the public:
Vietnam heatwave puts pressure on power grid
Vietnam’s power grid has come under increasing strain as a prolonged heatwave drives up electricity demand nationwide. Temperatures in northern Vietnam have remained near 40°C, with repeated power outages reported in parts of Hanoi as the grid struggled to cope with rising consumption. Officials warned that conditions may deteriorate further if the El Niño weather pattern returns in the coming months, increasing the risk of droughts and extended heatwaves.
The industry ministry said lower water levels in hydroelectric reservoirs could place additional pressure on energy supplies from July onwards. Vietnam’s heavy reliance on coal-fired power and hydropower has also highlighted the vulnerability of its energy system during extreme weather. State utility EVN urged households and businesses to reduce electricity use, particularly in northern regions facing higher supply risks.
***
Further reading: Heatwave strain on Vietnam power grid could get worse, industry ministry says
Pluxee faces antitrust fine in Chile
French voucher and benefits provider Pluxee is facing a proposed $39.6 million fine after Chile’s competition watchdog accused the company of colluding with rival Edenred between 2013 and 2021. The complaint alleged that the two firms coordinated to allocate market share within Chile’s food and clothing voucher industry, where they reportedly controlled more than 80% of the market during the period.
Pluxee said the allegations would be reviewed while reiterating its commitment to ethical business practices. Analysts suggested the case could negatively affect investor confidence, particularly given the company’s already challenging Latin American operations. The legal process is expected to take several years, with potential appeals possibly delaying a final ruling until the end of the decade.
***
Further reading: Chile competition authority seeks nearly $40 million fine against Pluxee
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: Smokestack emissions Cover Photo Credit: Peter Werkman
