UN Chief: 1.5°C Overshoot Is Inevitable – Cut Emissions Now

UN Secretary-General António Guterres says the world will overshoot 1.5°C, calling the consequences “devastating” unless leaders change course immediately. In a pre-COP30 interview, he warned of approaching tipping points—from the Amazon to Greenland/Antarctica and coral reefs—and said current national plans would cut emissions about 10%, far short of the ~60% needed to stay within 1.5°C. Guterres urged governments to slash emissions rapidly so any overshoot is short and shallow, and to rebalance COP participation so civil society and Indigenous peoples have greater influence. He highlighted Brazil’s proposed Tropical Forests Forever Facility (targeting $125bn, with 20% for Indigenous communities) as an example of solutions that protect standing forests. The transition away from fossil fuels, he added, is both inevitable and in countries’ economic self-interest. Without coordinated action, global governance could devolve into a “free-for-all,” worsening climate impacts while a privileged few shield themselves.

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Further reading: ‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head

Nissan Pools EU CO₂ With BYD to Avoid Fines

Nissan confirmed it will form a CO₂ pooling arrangement with BYD for the 2025 calendar year across EU markets. Under the EU’s pooling rules, carmakers can combine fleet results with low- or zero-emission manufacturers to meet targets and avoid penalties, instead of paying fines. The 2025 limit is 93.6 g CO₂/km. Brussels has also extended the compliance period from one to three years, easing short-term pressure on legacy manufacturers. Industry estimates suggest missed targets could have triggered up to £13bn in fines. Critics warn pooling can delay EV adoption, as firms buy credits rather than scale electric sales. Similar pools include Tesla with Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Alfa Romeo and Suzuki, and Polestar with Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Smart. Nissan said the deal supports its own zero-emissions goals and aligns with the EU 2050 decarbonisation pathway.

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Further reading: Nissan pools carbon emissions with electric vehicle maker BYD to avoid EU penalties

Exxon Sues California to Block Climate Disclosure Laws

Exxon has filed a lawsuit against California to stop enforcement of two 2023 laws that require large companies to disclose their global greenhouse-gas emissions (using the GHG Protocol) and report climate-related financial risks starting in 2026. Exxon argues the rules amount to compelled speech, forcing it to adopt frameworks it “disagrees” with; the company prefers the Ipieca methodology and says California should count only in-state emissions. Exxon also claims the climate-risk rule requires speculation about “unknowable” future events and conflicts with SEC disclosure standards.

California officials have defended the laws as basic transparency, and supporters say they will curb greenwashing. A prior business-group challenge failed to win a preliminary block, with a full trial slated for October 2026. The case highlights growing legal battles over corporate climate disclosure as states and markets push for comparable, decision-useful data.

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Further reading: Exxon sues California over climate laws, alleging free speech violations

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Europe’s Water–Energy Crunch: Waste Amplifies Climate Risks

A new Danfoss report says water waste is amplifying the climate crisis and weakening Europe’s economy. The water sector’s energy use could double by 2040, while the energy sector’s water demand may rise ~60%, tightening a feedback loop between the two systems. If left unchecked, inefficiencies could cut GDP by up to 8% in high-income countries by 2050 and add billions in costs. Europe already loses large volumes of treated water through leaks—wasting the energy used to pump and purify it. The report urges near-term fixes with proven tools: leak detection, smart metering, pressure management, and motor/pump efficiency (VSDs), plus industrial water reuse and desalination retrofits to slash costs and emissions. Data centers are a fast-growing water user; liquid cooling and waste-heat reuse could reduce demand and supply urban heat networks. Bottom line: integrate water efficiency into energy audits, set targets, and invest now to protect resilience and competitiveness.

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Further reading: Europe’s water crisis: How waste is ‘amplifying’ the climate crisis and costing millions

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Markus Spiske