EBA launches new ESG dashboard to monitor climate risks in banking
THEEuropean Banking Authority (EBA) presented a new ESG dashboard to systematically monitor climate risks impacting the EU and EEA banking sector. The tool, based on ESG data already disclosed by banks, allows to analyse the exposure to the effects of climate change, both in terms of physical risks that of transition risks towards a low carbon economy.
Initial results show that, as of mid-2024, 61% of banking portfolios are still exposed to carbon-intensive sectors, although down from 64% in 2023. Exposure to physical risks, on the other hand, is still limited (under 30%). Green Asset Ratio (GAR), which measures assets aligned with the EU Taxonomy, remains low but slightly growing (from 5,8% to 6%).
This new tool represents an important step towards increasing transparency and accountability in the financial sector, and will be updated periodically to reflect regulatory and market developments.
🔗For more information: https://esgnews.it/regulator/leba-lancia-il-nuovo-cruscotto-esg-per-monitorare-i-rischi-climatici-nel-settore-bancario/
From forests to agriculture, Italy in the carbon credit market
Il carbon credit market in Italy is starting to take shape, even if the national legislation is still awaiting the necessary implementing decrees. In the meantime, initiatives promoting emission compensation projects on Italian territory are growing, especially related to reforestation, regenerative agriculture and energy requalification.
Companies are showing growing interest in these tools, driven both by sustainability needs and by economic benefits linked to ESG criteria and access to financing. However, most of the credits so far have been generated abroad, especially in developing countries, leaving Italy with an important opportunity yet to be seized.
With the advent of the European regulation and the imminent creation of a single register for the traceability of credits, greater regulation and transparency is expected, which could favor the development of a more solid and reliable national market.
🔗For more information: https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/dai-boschi-all-agricoltura-l-italia-mercato-crediti-carbonio-AHUyk9Z
Sustainable Packaging: what does EU Regulation 2025/40 provide?
Entered into force in February, the European regulation 2025/40 imposes new obligations on Member States to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging. The goal is to cut waste by 15% by 2040 (–5% already by 2030) compared to 2018 levels.
- Mandatory recycling: From 2030, all plastic packaging will have to contain minimum percentages of post-consumer recycled material, up to 65% in 2040 for some categories (e.g. single-use bottles).
- Increasing reuse: By 2030, at least 40% of transport packaging must be reusable. Excluding paper and cardboard, which are already highly recyclable.
- Impact on food packaging: the food sector, which uses 60% of EU packaging, will have to review its design and materials, reducing the use of multi-layered plastic and ensuring safety and sustainability.
- Clearer labelsFrom 2028, a harmonized environmental label will be mandatory to aid correct disposal.
- Stop PFAS: ban hazardous substances such as PFAS, which are harmful to health and the environment.
- New rules for compliance: Manufacturers will be able to self-certify compliance, but only with documented technical evidence. Environmental claims (such as “recyclable”) are only permitted if verifiable.
Il Regulation 2025/40 represents a turning point for the circular economy in Europe. Businesses are called to rethinking the entire value chain of packaging: an opportunity to innovate and strengthen consumer trust.
🔗For more information: https://esgnews.it/regulator/packaging-sostenibile-cosa-prevede-il-regolamento-ue-2025-40-sugli-imballaggi/
Towards sustainable finance: The Omnibus Package and the Clean Industrial Deal
The path towards sustainable finance in Europe is slow. On the one hand, there are clear objectives such as reducing emissions and respecting human rights; on the other, geopolitical tensions and protectionism slow down the implementation of the most ambitious European rules.
Il Omnibus Package introduces simplifications and postponements for many companies, especially the smaller ones, reducing sustainability reporting obligations. This eases the burden, but risks weakening the effectiveness of environmental and social regulations.
In parallel, the Clean Industrial Deal makes available over 100 billion to help energy-intensive industrial sectors become cleaner and more competitive, aiming at a balance between productivity and sustainability.
In short, while the Green Deal slows down, Europe is trying to relaunch with new tools and investments, in an increasingly complicated global context. The challenge remains great, between pragmatism and ambition for the future of the planet.
🔗For more information: https://ntplusdiritto.ilsole24ore.com/art/AH09SLb
Overshoot Day: Italy Has Already Exhausted Natural Resources by 2025
Il May 6, 2025 Italy has reached its Overshoot Day, or the date on which it has exhausted all the natural resources that the planet is capable of regenerating in a year. An increasingly early date: in 2024 it was May 19. This means that we are accelerating the pace of consumption and worsening our impact on ecosystems.
According to the data of the Global Footprint Network, if everyone lived like in Italy, we would need three planets to support consumption. An unsustainable model, made even more paradoxical by the fact that nations with greater economic well-being tend to have the highest ecological footprints.
Reversing the trend is possible, but it requires collective actions: reducing waste, promoting the circular economy, investing in renewables and adopting more conscious lifestyle choices. Overshoot Day is a wake-up call that reminds us that time for change is running out.
🔗For more information: https://esgnews.it/environmental/overshoot-day-litalia-ha-gia-esaurito-le-risorse-naturali-dellanno/
