Today’s ESG Updates
- Extreme Heat Cancels Climate Event: A London Climate Action Week event on extreme heat governance was ironically cancelled due to a red extreme temperature warning.
- European Green Party Demands Emergency Summit: Europe’s Green Party is urging EU leaders to hold an emergency meeting to strengthen climate protections.
- EIB Grants €70M for Green Transport in the Netherlands: The European Investment Bank issued a €70 million loan to public transport operator Qbuzz to fund 275 electric buses.
- DHL Partners with Vela for Wind-Powered Shipping: DHL Global Forwarding will use Vela’s wind-propelled cargo trimarans to transport goods across the Atlantic.
Extreme heat affects London Climate Action Week
On Wednesday, a scheduled event titled “Extreme Heat: Improving governance and strengthening action around the world,” was cancelled at London Climate Action Week 2026. The ironic reason for the cancellation: extreme heat.
As a heat wave grips much of Europe, red warnings for high temperatures have popped up in the UK. The London School of Economics Global School of Sustainability cancelled the event by stating, “We regret that this event has been canceled due to the red extreme heat warning issued by the UK Met Office.” With much of the UK lacking air conditioning, schools have closed and hospitals have cancelled some elective procedures.
Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said that the extreme hit crippling Europe is “the latest price to pay for fossil fuel pollution baking our planet.” The second severe heat wave in two months, Europe has become the fastest warming continent due to climate change.
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Further reading: In London, Extreme Heat Forces Cancellation of Event About Extreme Heat
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European Green Party calls on leaders to address heat
The European Green Party is urging EU leaders to strengthen the Green Deal and focus on hitting climate targets. As heat waves become hotter and more frequent, especially in Europe, scientists agree that climate change is to blame. Meanwhile, European leaders are slowly weakening regulations put in place by the Green Deal. Back in December, the Commission walked back its combustion engine ban, harming the bloc’s goal of net-zero by 2050.
European Green Party co-chair Ciarán Cuffe said, “This heat wave is rapidly turning into a major European public health crisis. Europe must now choose to double down on policies that protect us from extreme weather.” The Green Party leaders are calling for an extraordinary meeting to address these climate impacts in an effort to protect European citizens.
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Further reading: Greens call for emergency EU leaders’ summit over extreme heat
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EIB awards Qbuzz with €70 million green transport loan
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is aiding the Netherlands in its green transport transition through issuing a €70 million loan. The loan will go toward the operation of 275 electric buses and the construction of charging infrastructure. The main beneficiary of the loan, public transport operator Qbuzz, is a subsidiary of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane with one of the largest electric bus fleets in the Netherlands. When speaking about the loan, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Angelo De Carlo, said, “Practice shows that making public transport more sustainable is not an easy task. Nevertheless, Qbuzz continues to bring together different stakeholders and work collaboratively to take meaningful steps for our climate.”
Qbuzz’s switch to zero emissions mobility will not only lower carbon emissions in the Netherlands, but will support Europe’s long-term climate goals. Through increasing the availability of public transportation, the operator hopes to curb private car use across the Zuid-Holland province.
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Further reading: Netherlands: Regional bus transport goes green with European backing
DHL partners with Vela for wind-powered cargo ships
Shipping giant DHL entered into a partnership with French company Vela. Vela produces wind-propelled cargo trimarans that have the capability to carry 415 metric tons of goods, five times more than airplane cargo transport. DHL’s Global Forwarding unit will use these custom built ships to transport goods across the Atlantic. Laurent Terreyre, chief executive of DHL Global Forwarding France, said, “As a leading player in the global logistics industry, DHL is committed to supporting the decarbonization of transport and expanding the range of solutions available to its customers.”
While the wind-powered vessels will be more cost-effective, especially with today’s higher oil prices, they will not be as time efficient. A trip across the Atlantic Ocean could take up to two weeks, as opposed to the typical nine days of traditional cargo ships. The first commercial shipments are due to begin in 2027.
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Further reading: DHL to Ship on Wind-Powered Cargo Ships
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: “This is a global warning” banner at a Climate Change Protest September 2019. Cover Photo Credit: Gabriel McCallin.
