Pico Analytics Fortnightly Newsletter : Fossil Fuels, Flower Power & Deforestation ; Building a Sustainable Future on Shifting Sands

Climate news can often leave one feeling despondent about the future of our natural world. As great tree's that have seen more of history than a mere human could ever hope to are felled to meet the short-term needs of a greedy society and plastic chokes our oceans, destroying ecosystems which have existed untouched for thousands of years, the consequences of our presence on this planet continue to be truly catastrophic and yet hope remains as is evidenced both in the small and larger acts that can be identified if we look hard enough.

Recycling, and the high profile adaptation of paper straws and biodegradable baby wipes are all positive steps forward as we attempt to change our consumer habits. From utilising refillable hand wash, shampoo bars, laundry eco eggs and beeswax food wraps to organic cotton clothing, Fairtrade flowers and composting, we can all make changes in our everyday lives to become more sustainable and reduce our individual and collective negative impacts on the natural world. Yet, we must be cognate that making these changes are a privilege that is confined not only to those in the developed world but also to those with the financial capacity to do so. As the cost of living crisis bites ever harder and people find themselves in a position of choosing between heating their homes or feeding their children and the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia impacts supply chains and decimates the lives of the Ukrainian people, climate change will inevitably drop further and further down the list of domestic and international priorities as an eco-friendly lifestyle remains expensive and in many ways inaccessible. The responsibility for climate change cannot therefore be solely laid at the feet of the general population, instead, we must look to the governments and businesses who made commitments and pledges at Cop26 and must now see them through.

By reducing the sky high fossil fuel and agricultural subsidies funds could be released which may be channelled into renewable energy, meanwhile, having governments cooperating with the aim of reducing plastic pollution and formulating a treaty which could ensure accountability for plastic pollution are all excellent possibilities that could and should exhibit a higher level of commitment from some of the largest polluters. These however are challenges that often fall on the shoulders of governments whilst something like fast fashion is solely down to the companies and the consumer to change. With its not insignificant impact on the environment the sheer scale of waste material in for example one Ghanaian clothing market, shows the truth behind where all our clothes eventually end up and exhibits it in its most troublesome and polluting form. In turn presenting to us as consumers the important question of how we can start to rethink our purchasing habits. The action and inaction of the major players of this world will determine the outcome of the climate crisis but we all still have a part to play. As the doors are opened for large scale deforestation, governments are admittedly walking a difficult line of ensuring prosperity for their people while attempting to safeguard the future for those same communities. This begs the question of how do we achieve both? How do governments and every member of society play their part in protecting the environment and achieving equality and a better quality of life for everyone?

This edition blends reality with a sprinkling of optimism. By taking a look at possible new sustainability regulations and highlighting the efforts made to ensure gender equality in historically male dominated areas such as agriculture, such news stories provide an oasis of hope in a desert of unfortunate climate induced disasters and destructive human behaviour. This newsletter will provide a short summary of some of the most notable, informative and quirky climate stories of the past two weeks in the hope that it provides inspiration and insight into climate news from around the world. Finally, we want to hear from you, our readers, about any topics that interest you, which we can either produce research papers on or include stories in future newsletters.

OUR

TOP STORIES

A Note From Our Founder & CEO on the Developments in Ukraine

by Subbu Loganathan on February 26th 2022

We write this as Russia invades Ukraine in a ‘Shock and Awe’ operation, and Ukrainians are fighting with all their resources to stay an independent nation. One may be forgiven for thinking, does sustainability and the fight against climate change even matter in times like this? Nothing could be farther from the truth – as Germany increases its natural gas supply orders from Russia (via Poland, rather than via Ukraine), and European nations are trying to water down sanctions to maintain their increasing energy needs. It’s acknowledged that suspending Russia from SWIFT (the vital plumbing and settlements system that allows transfer of trillions of dollars for trade and investment) has the most potential to halt Russia economically and “hamper its ability to trade beyond its borders”, as it would harm natural gas supplies to Europe (Russia supplies 40% of Europe’s natural gas). Which also explains the ‘carve-out’ in the US sanctions for energy payments to Russia. All this brings even more urgency to a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy – it’s not just good for the environment, it frees the world to act honestly against such naked military aggression. As sustainability and ESG analytics practitioners we believe a more sustainable world is also a more equal, and peaceful world.

We here at Pico Analytics stand with the people of Ukraine, and pledge to use our work in ESG transparency to hold world leaders accountable in their opposition to global conflicts.

Fossil Fuels and Agricultural Subsidies Reach $1.8tn a Year

by Camilla Hodgson on February 17th 2022

Though it may be common knowledge that world wide government subsidies for heavily polluting industries such as fossil fuels and agriculture have come under fire from environmental groups in recent years. A recent article by the Financial Times has shown that such spending has reached $1.8tn and 2% of global gross domestic product (GDP) is being spent annually on subsidies which encourage unsustainable production and consumption, deplete natural resources and degrade ecosystems. Doug Koplow and Ronald Steenblik who conducted the study on subsidies identified the fossil fuel industry as the largest recipient enjoying $640 billion while agriculture and forestry sectors received $520bn and $155bn respectively. With such figures considered to be conservative due to a lack of government transparency one must question the extent to which the 200 countries who agreed to "phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies" during the Cop26 are willing to go to meet their own pledges.

According to data from the International Energy Agency three nations - Iran, China and India - gave out the most in fossil fuel consumption subsidies to the tune of $87.9bn, $34bn and $33bn. Meanwhile, Mexico ($11.3bn), China ($3.9bn) and Argentina ($2.5bn) directly contributed to fossil fuel producers, excluding tax breaks despite the pledges made by governments to build back "greener" post pandemic. The actions of such nations has led some to consider the legal implications of such behaviour as they do not correlate with a country's net zero target. This may come up against some difficulties as some subsidies are not given to simply line the pockets of the wealthy but to protect consumers from the higher prices which often impact the most vulnerable members of society. Something which is becoming increasingly evident as the price rises in energy, transport and groceries are having a negative impact across the UK and beyond. However, we must find new ways to ensure the most vulnerable are protected from price rises whilst attaining sustainability in all sectors.

“Harmful subsidies must be redirected towards protecting the climate and nature, rather than financing our own extinction.”

Could Flooding Become 'The New Normal' for Wales?

by BBC on February 15th 2022

Every year as I join my family on a trip down to Pembrokeshire in Wales we admire the rolling hills of the valleys and the glistening sea of the Welsh coast. With some of the most beautiful coastal walks in Britain it is hard to imagine climate change having an impact on such a wonderful place. Yet an article by the BBC has revealed the new reality taking hold in certain areas of Wales as record-breaking flooding and two years of storms are wreaking havoc on numerous communities. In the Rhondda ward of Rhondda Cynon Taf 44 houses were flooded and large parts of the town were left completely unrecognisable with a significant clean up effort needed during the first pandemic lockdown. The trauma caused by this event has, according to Ms Griffiths (Plaid Cymru councillor for Rhondda ward) left many feeling uneasy in their homes as soon as the all too frequent rains arrive, with many feeling the need to move furniture and precious belongings up to the second floor. Ms Rhonnda has urged public bodies to "react a lot smarter and a lot quicker to climate change".

Storms Chiara, Dennis and Jorge resulted in record rainfall and river levels across Wales, and some of the most significant and devastating flooding seen since the 1970s with 3,130 properties affected across the country.

NRW believes that the subsequent storms experienced by Wales could become a harsh new reality which must be prepared for if welsh communities want to avoid the most serious impacts of such extreme events. These comments were released as Wales braced for Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice. As flooding is such a deeply personal tragedy which can destroy homes and the belongings within as well as ruin small businesses and livelihoods which will struggle to bounce back from such an event. Fortunately Cop26 has brought a renewed vigour for governments to tackle climate change. This has led to the Welsh Government to place an emphasis on mitigating future flood risks by investing in flood defences and response teams inspecting and repairing damages when needed and carrying out regular maintenance work. As climate scientists consistently reiterate that record floods are not anomalous, Wales will need to find new methods of resilience and safeguard the most vulnerable people in a country which already struggles with high levels of poverty.

Governments Meet to Discuss the World's First Plastic Treaty

by Claire Arkin on February 17th 2022

Plastic has become an intrinsic part of our lives, from cradle to grave we are surrounded by this unique and modern material which has allowed us to live an easier life. However, it has also induced a throw away, single use culture, meaning our land, oceans and river ways are being choked with plastic bottles, plastic packaging, plastic polystyrene, plastic, plastic, plastic! Our natural world and its flora and fauna are suffering and in some cases will not recover.

As plastic is discovered in the air, the water and the most remote corners of the world the United Nations Environment Assembly will hold a meeting between February 28th - 2nd March to discuss the world's first plastic treaty. This international law could present a real chance to reduce plastic pollution and further Sustainable Development Goals. In order to ensure that they get the details right a six key elements have been suggested in an article by the SDG Knowledge Hub ;

● "Cover the full life-cycle of plastic. Currently, the international legal framework is a patchwork. To improve on it, a treaty must be comprehensive, with a focus on reducing the amount of plastic made, not just collecting plastic waste. This will have benefits for climate action as well: most emissions from plastic occur during production.

● Have an open mandate. The treaty should be designed to consider new concerns and devise new solutions as the science develops.

● Be legally binding. Voluntary action has been tried and is insufficient.

● Include transparent reporting. Clear metrics and open data are needed to track progress and identify areas that need more support.

● Include technical and financial assistance for a just transition. This will stimulate strong national policy and compliance, as well as international support.

● Ensure stakeholder participation and a human rights-based approach. Communities around the world, particularly those most burdened by plastic pollution and climate change, must have a say in the treaty’s content and execution".

Rwanda and Peru have put forward a joint resolution which covers all these aspects and more. This resolution has been well received by many attending nations. Unfortunately, Japan has also set forth another resolution which would treat plastic as a waste management problem which would fail to tackle the real issue. There are concerns that if the petrochemical industry is to have an influence on the proceedings then suggestions such as incineration of plastics or chemical "recycling" which are toxic contributors to climate pollution could be included in the resolution by nations unwilling to move away from plastics.

The impacts of a global plastic treaty could have far ranging benefits. By tackling the toxicity of plastics such as those scientists now believe leaches out from plastic food packaging thereby allowing plastic to enter our bodies. A plastic treaty could incentivise people to phase out toxic chemicals and additives and incentivise safer, reusable packing. Beyond human health it is estimated that by 2050 emissions from plastic will take up a third of the 1.5° targets' carbon budget. By capping plastic production we could hit the aims of SDG13 set out at the Paris Climate Conference. The treaty could improve equality as the global north who generally exports the most unrecyclable plastic goods and waste to developing countries whilst reaping the economic rewards could be stopped in their tracks and forced to regulate themselves. As the 20 million waste pickers of the world, mostly women and children, could access legal frameworks and policies which would impose working conditions. Not only this but new inclusive recycling systems could create 321 jobs per 10,000 tonnes per year of recycled materials which could positively impact economies around the world.

Studies show that waste reduction strategies like reuse, repair, composting and recycling score the highest on environmental benefits and create the most jobs of any waste management approach, over 200 times as many jobs as other disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration.

January Sees Record Deforestation Levels in the Amazon Rainforest

by Georgina Rannard on February 11th 2022

We have all seen those devastating images of great ancient trees falling to the earth to make way for palm oil plantations, beef cattle farms or to make furniture to fill our homes. Though demand seldom slows, January usually sees a lull in deforestation as the rainy season prevents loggers from accessing the forests. Yet, according to new data the Brazilian rainforest has seen five times the deforestation levels this January compared to the same month in 2021. This is believed to be the highest total since 2015.

Environmentalists are accusing Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro of allowing deforestation levels to accelerate by weakening environmental protections arguing that the government should exploit the area in order to reduce poverty. Though 100 nations agreed to stop and reverse deforestation levels by 2030 at Cop26, satellite data shows that Brazil's government is failing to meet its commitments to protect the rainforest. In response to this Greenpeace is calling on all UK supermarkets to drop all meat and dairy suppliers who are involved in deforestation.

The most unusual part of this is that deforestation at this time of year usually slows. Yet, our biggest carbon sink is coming under attack as loggers are braving the dense humid forest, not just to cut down trees, but also to mine or farm in order to make a living. At the same time indigenous communities are in a desperate fight to save their way of life and protect their rainforest home. This will be made more difficult as a new law which is expected to be passed soon will legitimise and forgive land grabbing which will fuel illegal clearances which are already occurring in large numbers due to demand for agricultural commodities.

So next time you're walking through the aisles of your nearest supermarket to do the weekly shop, maybe it's time to turn over the packaging and look at the origins of your food. If it comes from Brazil, take your phone out of your pocket, open google and check to find out if that product is in any way related to deforestation. If you don't have your phone on you then ask one of the shop assistants what they know, if you hear anything which is connected to environmental degradation then put the item back on the shelf! After all, consumer demand can force supermarkets to change suppliers and modify the items they stock if enough people speak up or change their purchasing habits.

Interagency Report Findings Suggest Sea Levels are to Rise up to a Foot by 2050

by Jane Lee on February 15th 2022

According to a new interagency report completed by a sea level rise task force composed of NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other federal agencies coastal flooding will increase significantly over the coming 30 years. The report concludes that sea levels will rise 10-12 inches on average across US coastlines. This report produces forecasts for sea level rise until 2150 and allows federal agencies to anticipate and cope with the effects of these changes. A spokesman for NASA, administrator Bill Nelson, has reiterated that this report confirms what we already knew about sea level rise and confirms NASA's commitment to protecting the planet, monitoring climate change and ensuring accessible data for all.

The task force developed their system for projections by improving our understanding of the processes which contribute to sea level rise. By taking into account melting glaciers and ice sheets as well as the interactions between oceans, land and ice which all affect the height of the ocean. This information has been made more accessible to the general public as NASA has developed an online mapping tool which shows state of the art localised sea level rise projections right across the US. The hope is that by considering the increasing greenhouse gas emissions and frequency of high tide coastal flooding these predictions will help efforts in local communities to improve flood defences and prepare locals for a currently inevitable crisis. This report will be included in next year's US Global Change Research Programme which summarises the impacts of climate change on the US.

Fairtrade Flowers Linked to Gender Equality in Africa

by Susan Limisi & Fairtrade on February 11th 2022

Flowers can be a sign of love, a sign of sympathy and a sign of celebration. For all those husbands running into their nearest supermarket to find flowers and chocolates for their partner after work or girlfriends greeting each other at a train station and exchanging roses to show their affection it is surprisingly easy to forget where our flowers come from. Yet for the 73,000 Fairtrade certified farmers who supply Fairtrade flowers, over half of which are women, flower plantations offer a lifeline to rural women. By providing an essential income these women are given independence and the ability to be in control of their family finances, whilst being given the chance to take part in leadership training.

With nearly 1 billion Fairtrade flower stems sold in 2020 and more than €40 million in Fairtrade premium generated for flower workers this sector is critical for gender equality in the agricultural supply chain. For Susan Limisi (Fairtrade Africa's Gender Coordinator), who leads the organisation's gender portfolio across 33 countries in Africa and the Middle East this sector is considered to be of great significance. This impressive woman recently took part in an interview with Fairtrade where she discussed the benefits of Fairtrade flowers and how our small act of buying Fairtrade can contribute to making meaningful progress towards sustainable development.

During the interview Ms Limisi highlighted the inequalities faced by the 42% of women who partake in agriculture. In an attempt to combat this Fairtrade Africa has set up a Women's School of Leadership programme which first ran in Cote D'Ivoire and was a stunning success as it reached 34,000 farmers in 2019 alone. Now the same programme is being piloted with Fairtrade flower farmers in Ethiopia and Kenya. Their efforts have also extended into Fairtrade policy, by ensuring that farmers not only respect the rules regarding sustainable farming which does not contribute to environmental degradation, gender equality has also come to the fore. By implementing anti-discrimination policies and introducing gender committees which have increased maternity leave available to mothers and establish childcare opportunities for nursing mothers. These efforts will hopefully turn gender inequality on its head and ensure women across Africa who partake in Fairtrade have a brighter future. For anyone interested in climate change and sustainability we must also recognise that these issues are multifaceted and that gender equality gives women a say in the way we continue to farm sustainably. For those women who are often the bastions of traditional ecological knowledge their leadership and skills will be invaluable for a more eco-friendly future.

Ghanaian Markets Saturated with 7.5 Million Pounds of Donated Clothing Every Week

by Business Insider on February 9th 2022

A recent video by Business Insider has exhibited the shocking reality of fast fashion. For many in the global north shopping for new clothes can be a common occurrence but where does our disused and unwanted clothing end up? The answer is in the clothing markets of the global south. As just one market in Ghana handles over 15 million garments every week, the fast fashion clothing which arrives here is often of inferior quality meaning that one third of the items end up in landfill. This unpleasant reality is having negative consequences for the people and the environment of the developing world. So next time you tear an item of clothing why not take it to the tailor instead of throwing it away or 'donating' it otherwise it could end up in a pile of unwanted items on the other side of the world.

Follow this link to watch the video on YouTube or press play to find out more…

Pico Analytics Sustainability Spotlight

by Kate Martin on February 23rd 2022

Welcome to the newest section of our Newsletter where we here at Pico Analytics shine a spotlight on one of those businesses, initiatives or positive news stories that are paving the way for sustainability and a more eco-friendly future.

Our Top Business

The Business that caught our eye this week is Lucy & Yak. This company embodies sustainability and has integrated ESGs into many aspects of their business. As a living wage employer they have been shortlisted in the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards 2020, reached the final of the Sustainable Lifestyle Awards 2019 and have been recognised as a climate positive workforce by Ecologi for significantly reducing carbon emissions and planting over 24,000 trees since their inception in 2017. Lucy & Yak is an organic clothing brand who not only focus on their customers, but most importantly on their suppliers and the product. Having set up a small family run factory in Rajasthan India which runs entirely on solar power, they are now rolling out solar power across their four other factories in India and Turkey. Workers in these factories are paid a fair living wage in line with the Global Living Wage Coalition and are not just a number, as each tailor has their image and personal story on the company website so that customers can fully understand where their clothes are coming from by connecting supplier and consumer. The fabric used for their apparel is 98% organic or recycled and 100% certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. Their organic cotton uses 88% less water and 62% less energy whilst their recycled polyester is made from waste plastic bottles. Most impressive of all, the dyes used are free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be harmful to human health.

From a small start up to rapidly growing business with celebrities such as Ed Sheeran, Melissa McCarthy and Ginny Lemon all sporting their signature dungarees this relatively new brand is becoming a force to be reckoned with. As they actively work towards a higher level of diversity and inclusion by recruiting models of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and disabilities as well as ensuring that their employees are representative of their aforementioned aims. Their commitment to representation, diversity and overall sustainability have earned them a place as our first top business. We hope they continue on their current path and continue to prove that our climate doesn't have to be sacrificed for fast fashion.