Today’s ESG Updates
- India Boosts Lithium & Nickel Processing: India plans incentives for lithium and nickel processing plants to strengthen its EV supply chain and energy transition goals.
- Japan Faces Midwinter Snowstorms: Heavy snow in northern and western Japan threatens infrastructure, energy supply, and voter turnout ahead of elections.
- China Records Most High-Temperature Days Ever: China’s 2025 climate bulletin shows unprecedented heat, highlighting climate risks and the need for adaptation.
- U.S. Winter Storm Leaves 296,000+ Without Power: Severe snow and ice impact homes and businesses, underscoring grid resilience and disaster preparedness.
India plans incentives to build Lithium and Nickel processing capacity
India plans to introduce incentives for companies to set up lithium and nickel processing plants to support its energy transition and growing electric vehicle market, sources said. The proposal includes a 15% capital subsidy for eligible projects starting from April 2026, with incentives available for five years and capped based on annual sales. Lithium and nickel are critical for EV batteries, yet India currently lacks processing capacity and relies heavily on China. The move aims to secure supply chains, boost domestic production, and help meet India’s targets for electric vehicle adoption by 2030.
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Further reading: India to unveil incentives for lithium, nickel processing, sources say
Japan faces heavy snowstorms ahead of rare winter election
Japan is bracing for more heavy snowstorms in its northern and western regions as the country approaches a rare midwinter election on February 8. The meteorological agency warned of snowfall reaching up to 70 cm in some areas, raising concerns over traffic disruption, avalanches, and grounded flights. Severe weather could lower voter turnout and hinder campaigning, particularly in rural regions. Last week’s snowfall already caused major travel disruptions in Hokkaido. Despite the conditions, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party is expected to gain a majority, according to a Nikkei survey.
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Further reading: Japan braces for more heavy snowstorms as midwinter election nears
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China records highest number of extreme heat days amid rising climate risks
China recorded its highest number of high-temperature days in 2025, with the national average annual temperature reaching a record 10.9°C for the second consecutive year, according to the Meteorological Administration. Sustained extreme heat affected central and eastern regions from late June to September, while rainfall intensity and duration also reached record highs in northern and western China. Authorities warned that rising temperatures and heavier precipitation are increasing risks of flooding and other climate-related disasters. The findings were released as part of China’s 2025 climate bulletin, underscoring the country’s accelerating exposure to climate extremes.
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Further reading: China sees most high temperature days on record in 2025
Severe U.S. winter storm leaves hundreds of thousands without power
A powerful winter storm bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain has left more than 296,000 homes and businesses without electricity across large parts of the United States, from the Ohio Valley to New England. Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana were the hardest hit, with major utilities such as Nashville Electric Service and Entergy reporting widespread outages. Utility crews from multiple states are working around the clock to restore power, using drones and helicopters to assess damage. The storm is expected to become the costliest severe weather event since early 2025, with estimated losses exceeding $100 billion.
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Further reading: More than 296,000 customers still without power as winter storm freezes much of the US
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
