Today’s ESG Updates
- Myanmar’s Military Under UN Investigation: The ruling junta has reportedly carried out 53 attacks since the earthquake crisis began.
- New Platform Launches to Assist ESG Decisions: The initiative will give firms clear and standardized data on decarbonization solutions.
- €8.5 Billion Investment in Portuguese Data Center: Built in collaboration between British and US investment funds to provide AI computing power.
- Eurozone Growth Likely Hindered: Trump’s new tariffs have worried economists as consumption and investment will weaken.
Humanitarian Aid Denied in Areas of Myanmar
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar’s earthquake-affected regions is dire, especially in areas under military control, where aid is restricted. The UN reports that the military is preventing aid from reaching opposition-held areas, exacerbating the devastation from the March 28 earthquake. Over 3,100 people have died, and millions lack basic necessities. The UN also condemned continued airstrikes by the junta, even after a ceasefire was declared on April 2. The Sagaing region, heavily impacted by both the earthquake and conflict, urgently needs assistance. Companies can keep up to date with emerging news and legislation using ESG tools.
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Further reading: Myanmar military limiting aid in earthquake areas, UN says
Avoided Emissions Platform Launches to Drive Transparent Investment in Net-Zero Solutions
The Avoided Emissions Platform (AEP), supported by over $4 trillion in assets, aims to fill a critical gap in sustainable finance by providing a transparent and standardized framework for assessing “avoided emissions”. It was designed with direct input from a committee of advisory scientists and will help companies make informed decisions toward net-zero goals. The platform offers harmonized metrics essential for targeting investments at decarbonization efforts, helping align portfolios, boost capital access, and support climate regulation. The platform is also designed to expand over time as new regulations and solutions develop.
Photo Credit: Anne Nygård
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Further reading: Mirova, Robeco Launch Avoided Emissions Platform to Standardize Climate Impact Metrics
US-British Partnership to Invest €8.5 Billion in Data Center Hub in Portugal
U.S. investment fund Davidson Kempner and Britain’s Pioneer Point Partners plan to invest €8.5 billion in a data center hub in Sines, Portugal. The project, aimed for completion by 2030, is named Start Campus and will supply computing power for AI companies. The hub already has a functioning building out of the planned six. Data center investments like this have surged since the launch of AI and cloud-based services such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Portugal’s Economy Minister sees the project as vital for strengthening the country’s position in the global data economy.
Photo Credit: Jordan Harrison
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Further Reading: Start Campus plans to invest $9.35 billion in Portugal data hub
Trump’s 20% Tariffs Trigger Downgrades in Eurozone Growth and Heightened Recession Risks
Donald Trump’s 20% tariffs on European exports have led economists to downgrade eurozone growth forecasts, predicting a sharp slowdown and potential global recession. Economists believe investment and consumption will be affected with exports to the U.S. being reduced. As a result, stagnation and inflation concerns have taken a backseat. The tariffs are seen as a blow to confidence with growth projections lowered for the coming years. Businesses are embracing ESG solutions to boost resilience and keep updated with legislation changes.
Photo Credit: Wikicommons
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Further reading: Economists slash eurozone growth forecasts as US tariffs shake outlook
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Random Institute
