Trump Administration Ready to ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ in Alaska

Today’s ESG Updates

• Trump Targets Alaskan Wilderness: U.S. plans to repeal protections in Alaska, opening ecologically sensitive land to drilling under Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” policy.
• Japan Develops Ocean-Dissolving Plastic: Scientists in Wako city create seawater-soluble plastic aimed at tackling rising waste and microplastic pollution.
• Colombia’s Wind Sector Stalls: Major firms exit La Guajira projects amid regulatory delays and Indigenous tensions, stalling Colombia’s renewable energy goals.
• UK Faces $1B Carbon Tax: Britain unlikely to link carbon markets with EU by 2026, leaving firms exposed to costly carbon border tariffs.

U.S. Federal Government plans to remove environmental protections in Alaska

The Trump administration announced its plans to repeal environmental protections placed on Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve during Biden’s presidency. This would allow oil and gas companies to drill in highly vulnerable wilderness. Environmentalists and some Alaska Native groups have expressed concerns, as the removal of these protections threatens wildlife and accelerates climate change. Matt Jackson of the environmental group The Wilderness Society said, “This move will accelerate the climate crisis at a time when the ground beneath Alaska communities is literally melting away and subsistence foods are in decline.” Some Native groups, on the contrary, support Trump’s decision from an economic standpoint. This decision is part of Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” policy, aiming to expand fossil fuel extraction in the United States while rolling back many current climate policies. 

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Further reading: Trump Administration to Open Alaska Wilderness to Drilling and Mining

Scientists developing ocean-dissolving plastic in Japan

In Wako city, Japan, scientists are refining a technology that could radically transform the plastic industry: plastic that dissolves in saltwater. The UN Environment Programme estimates that plastic production will triple by 2040, resulting in the addition of 23-37 million metric tons of plastic waste to the environment and our oceans. These scientists are trying to combat this with a new generation of plastic. The new material they are developing should dissolve in seawater within hours, leaving no trace; the process is significantly faster than that of current biodegradable plastics on the market. The non-toxic, non-flammable plastic can be used like traditional plastics on the market, the most significant difference being the absence of microplastics and carbon emissions. 

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Further reading: Scientists in Japan develop plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours

Colombia’s wind energy shift faces major setbacks

Wind energy in Colombia is facing significant setbacks, as several large companies have withdrawn from projects. Major firms, such as Enel and EDP Renewables, have pulled out of wind farm projects in the La Guajira region despite the country’s immense potential. Social tensions, specifically from the region’s Wayuu Indigenous community, government delays, and weak grid infrastructure have hindered progress. Currently, only two wind farms operate, creating less than 32 megawatts of electricity. As Colombia aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, renewable energy is now more important than ever. Colombian-owned company Ecopetrol plans to begin nine wind and solar energy projects, aiming to achieve a total capacity of 1.3 gigawatts. Despite challenges, new efforts are being made to address permitting issues and community engagement for future success.

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Further reading: Big firms abandon wind energy plans in Colombia amid regulatory shifts, social issues and grid gaps

Britain could face carbon taxes of up to $1 billion 

As the 2026 start date approaches, Britain is scrambling to avoid the European Union’s carbon border tax. As the EU and Britain plan to walk back many Brexit regulations, the regions are planning to link their carbon markets. The biggest question is when. Experts say that this transition will be highly unlikely to be fully realised before 2028. This leaves the UK in a vulnerable position concerning the carbon border tax. Without linkage, Britain could face annual taxation fees of around £800 million (equivalent to about $1 billion). Technical challenges, such as carbon trading permits and pricing, must be resolved before the EU and the UK can become fully integrated. 

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Further reading: Britain facing race to avoid $1 billion in EU carbon tax costs

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