Today’s ESG Updates
- Tesla Warns of Trade War’s Impact on U.S. Exporters: Trump’s tariffs are expected to challenge Tesla and other EV companies’ profitability.
- UK Energy Secretary to Visit Beijing: UK and China plan to discuss plans to fulfill Paris Agreement goals.
- Tech Giants Support Nuclear Expansion: Amazon, Google, Meta, and Dow have pledged to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050
- Changes to Post-Brexit Nature Funding: UK government considers cutting wealthy farmers from sustainability funding.
Tesla warns US Government the trade war will harm EV companies
In a letter to the US trade representative, Tesla said that the downstream impacts of Trump’s tariffs disproportionately harm US exporters, particularly EV companies. Businesses across the country have voiced similar concerns, but Tesla’s statement is especially notable given billionaire CEO Elon Musk’s unwavering support for the Trump administration. Companies striving to balance sustainability efforts with the economic impacts of the trade war can turn to ESG solutions to navigate shifting market conditions.
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Further reading: Tesla warns it could face retaliatory tariffs
UK Energy Secretary to discuss climate crisis efforts with China
Ed Miliband’s trip to Beijing marks a key moment for climate diplomacy, as no UK Energy Secretary has discussed climate and energy goals with China since 2017. He plans to engage with Chinese ministers on how both nations can advance the goals of the Paris Agreement. This visit comes at a crucial time, as Trump has backed out of the agreement and is taking major regulatory actions to expand fossil fuel use while sidelining renewable energy efforts.
Photo Credit: UK Government
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Further reading: The global battle against the climate crisis needs China. I’m visiting Beijing, and that’s what I’ll tell them
Tech and industry leaders push for nuclear expansion
Amazon, Google, Meta, and Dow have pledged to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, joining major energy users in backing nuclear as a key clean energy source. In the recently announced “Large Energy Users Pledge,” companies highlight the need to meet rising energy demands while ensuring a diversified and reliable grid. This commitment from tech giants signals a major shift in sustainable investments, positioning nuclear as a cornerstone of decarbonization efforts across industries.
Photo Credit: Lukáš Lehotský
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Further Reading: Amazon, Google, Meta and Dow back goal to triple nuclear capacity
UK Government considers halting sustainability funding to the wealthiest farmers
The UK government is considering restricting sustainability funding for wealthier farmers to prioritize smaller farms with greater environmental potential. In a recent announcement, ministers stated that directing funds to less affluent farms will have a greater positive impact on the environment. U.K. farmers have expressed strong disagreement, including the National Farmers’ Union, who warn that excluding larger farms from sustainability programs could hinder the UK’s progress toward net zero by 2050. Businesses can leverage ESG tools to navigate regulatory changes and evolving policies in the agricultural industry.
Photo Credit: Gilley Aguilar
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Further reading: Richest farmers in England may lose sustainability funding in Defra review
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Tesla
