Today’s ESG Updates
- Utilities Turn to AI for Wildfire Prevention: Power companies across the U.S. and Europe are partnering with AI startups to predict wildfire risk.
- Ferrari Partners With Shell on Renewables: Shell will supply Ferrari with 650 GWh of renewable energy through 2034.
- UK Could Create Jobs by Ending Plastic Waste Exports: Ending plastic waste exports by 2030 could create 5,400 jobs, report finds.
- China’s Solar Growth Accelerates: China added 12.6 GW of solar capacity in October, up 30% month-on-month.
Power companies look to AI startups for wildfire prevention
Artificial Intelligence could be the next big thing in preventing wildfires. Utility companies, including the UK’s National Grid, California’s Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and Texas’ American Electric Power Co., have begun working with AI startups to assess wildfire risk across the U.S. and Europe. Overstory, a Massachusetts-based AI startup, uses high-definition maps and AI technology to identify which trees are most likely to fall onto powerlines. This method is less expensive and more efficient than sending out utility workers to inspect trees in a region. Similarly, a San Francisco climate tech startup, Rhizome, has created a gridFIRM model that provides site-specific grid information and suggests prevention methods based on this information. As extreme weather caused by climate change is weakening and killing trees, power companies are facing a growing need for advanced wildfire-prevention methods.
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Further reading: Massive Wildfire Liabilities Push Utilities to Use AI to Stop Blazes
Ferrari signs renewable energy deal with Shell
Oil and gas giant Shell has signed an agreement with Ferrari to supply the luxury automaker with renewable energy through 2034. The long-term deal aims to help Ferrari lower its carbon emissions. During the next ten years, Shell will supply 650 gigawatt hours of power, meeting about half of the carmaker’s energy needs at its Maranello plant outside Modena. This renewable energy deal will help reduce Ferrari’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The company aims to reduce total emissions by 90% by 2030. Shell Energy Italia’s CEO, Gianluca Formenti, said, “We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with Ferrari through the signing of this important agreement.” Companies committed to renewable energy and other sustainable switches can use ESG tools for guidance.
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Further reading: Shell and Ferrari sign long-term green power supply deal
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.
Ending plastic waste exports could create 5,400 jobs in UK
According to a report by Hybrid Economics, a climate-focused consultancy, the UK could create 5,400 jobs and end plastic waste exports by 2030. The UK exported close to 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste in 2024, a 5% increase from previous years. The report stated that adding 15 new recycling facilities to the region by the decade’s end could end the UK’s reliance on plastic exports and attract upwards of £800 million (over $1 billion) of private investment. Neville Hill, co-CEO of Hybrid Economics, said, “Ending exports of unprocessed plastic packaging waste by 2030 would allow the UK to take control of its environmental responsibilities and seize a clear economic opportunity.” By ending plastic exports, poorer countries won’t be inundated with plastic waste, and the UK will be forced to take responsibility for its environmental impact. Companies that wish to take responsibility for their environmental impacts can look to ESG solutions for guidance.
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Further reading: UK can create 5,400 jobs if it stops plastic waste exports, report finds
China increases solar capacity, up 30% in October
In October, China installed 12.6 gigawatts (GW) of new solar power, a 30% increase from September. This follows a mid-year slowdown caused by uncertainty surrounding a new renewables pricing mechanism that removed guaranteed returns for developers. Despite the dip, China installed 252.87 GW of solar capacity from January to October, according to the National Energy Administration. Solar installations from January to October were 39% higher than during the same period in 2024. If the current pace continues, total 2025 installations could match 2024’s record 277 GW. Analysts note that year-end surges are common, and some forecast China’s full-year solar additions could approach 300 GW.
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Further reading: China’s solar installations up 30% month-on-month in October
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Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: Wildfire in Oregon, United States. Cover Photo Credit: Marcus Kauffman
