The Greenprint: Climate insights bulletin
Kaya Brown
The Greenprint timeline
May 2025
16th May
Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative launches Scope 3 emissions framework
What happened?
The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) has launched its Scope 3 Action Code of Practice, helping companies to address value chain emissions by assessing gaps, reporting challenges, and using high-quality carbon credits for unresolved emissions.
What does this mean for businesses?
Companies now have a structured approach to tackle their Scope 3 emissions, with the framework requiring firms to establish emissions goals and demonstrate progress before utilising carbon credits.
(VCMI)
16th May
Climate stripes expand to show ocean and atmosphere warming
What happened?
The University of Reading’s iconic climate stripes visualisation now showcases warming patterns in oceans and atmosphere, with Professor Ed Hawkins emphasising that “warming is clear throughout our entire climate system.”
What does this mean for businesses?
This is an important reminder that climate change impacts extend beyond surface temperatures. These visualisations provide powerful tools to help stakeholders and customers understand comprehensive climate risks.
16th May
Labour defends net-zero approach after Blair critique
What happened?
The Labour government has defended its net-zero policies after former PM Sir Tony Blair argued that limiting fossil fuels is “doomed to fail”, and suggested that focus should shift to emerging technologies such as carbon capture.
What does this mean for businesses?
Companies should continue to prepare for the Government’s existing target of net-zero carbon emissions in the UK by 2050, while potentially seeing more emphasis placed on new and emerging technologies.
(BBC News)
16th May
Ørsted pauses major UK offshore wind project
What happened?
Ørsted has discontinued development of Hornsea 4, a 2.4GW offshore wind project in the North Sea, citing rising supply chain costs, higher interest rates and increased execution risks.
What does this mean for businesses?
This pause signals growing financial pressures in the renewable sector due to macroeconomic factors and highlights the importance of stronger UK supply chain investment.
16th May
UK Government consults on carbon market integrity standards
What happened?
The UK government has launched a consultation on implementing six principles for voluntary carbon and nature market integrity, seeking views on standards, regulatory approaches and market architecture to embed high-integrity practices.
What does this mean for businesses?
Companies using carbon markets should review and respond by 10 July, as future regulations could significantly impact how organisations purchase, use and report on carbon credits in climate strategies.
(Gov.uk)
2nd May
Banking alliance drops 1.5°C alignment requirement
What happened?
The UN-backed Net Zero Banking Alliance has abandoned its requirement for banks to align their activities with the 1.5°C target, in a significant weakening of its framework.
What does this mean for businesses?
Companies may face less stringent climate requirements from their banking partners, with financial institutions having greater flexibility to manage transition targets. Unfortunately this could slow the pace of climate action in the financial sector and reduce necessary pressure on high-emissions industries.
2nd May
China commits to tougher climate targets as US retreats
What happened?
President Xi Jinping has committed China to more stringent greenhouse gas emission curbs by 2035 in his first major international climate appearance since 2021, stating that “no matter how the international situation changes, China will not slow down its efforts to address climate change”.
What does this mean for businesses?
China’s promise of strengthened climate leadership may create new market opportunities in clean energy and low-carbon technologies, as the global climate policy landscape grows increasingly divergent.
2nd May
Climate action has 89% global support but remains “silent majority”
What happened?New research reveals that 89% of people worldwide want stronger climate action, but most believe they’re in the minority, creating a “spiral of silence” phenomenon where people underestimate public support for climate policies.
What does this mean for businesses?
Companies championing climate initiatives have far more public support than commonly perceived, suggesting that bold sustainability commitments align with consumer values and could yield reputational benefits.
2nd May
UK planning bill “throws environmental protection to the wind”
What happened?
The heads of 32 UK nature organisations have warned that the government’s planning bill threatens environmental protections by streamlining regulations for developers
What does this mean for businesses?
The bill has not yet been passed, however companies in the UK development sector may face a shifting regulatory landscape which could lead to severe reputational risks from association with environmental degradation. Those with strong sustainability commitments should self-regulate beyond legal requirements to maintain credibility.
