Environment and sustainability

Climate change: latest insights and expert analysis

Climate change is a pressing crisis. How the world addresses complex environmental and sustainability issues will affect economic outcomes in the coming years. Stay ahead of the most significant climate developments to inform your strategy with EIU’s award-winning forecasts, analysis and data.

Inquire now

Explore the latest developments

Timely analysis and in-depth insights.

The climate change crisis

Climate change is going to be a crucial determinant of economic growth over the coming years, as well as one of the primary catalysts for policy-making and social change. EIU’s report examines the economic transformations taking place in various sectors.

Download report

The global green subsidy race

The 2022 US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) marked a turning point in how the green transition is funded. EIU’s report explores how the subsidy race is reshaping climate policy and geopolitics and outlines their impact on the progress of energy transition.

Download report

Green politics in Europe: the successes and the setbacks

Green parties have driven the implementation of ambitious decarbonisation policies across Europe. However, in many places, their success has met with a backlash from rural and agricultural interests.

Climate ambitions threaten a new wave of trade protectionism

National climate policies are driving new trends of trade protectionism, with the EU at the centre of many disputes. The absence of an effective international dispute-settlement mechanism suggests that these tensions will deepen through the remainder of this decade.

The road to the hydrogen economy is plagued with potholes

Hydrogen is a key technology for achieving climate change goals and many governments are rushing to boost production capacity, setting ambitious targets.

Sustainability disclosure requirements are tightening

The regulatory disclosure of ESG information has accelerated in the first half of 2023 as organisations and governments propose and adopt internationally aligned regulations.

Global hydropower generation to fall in 2023

The drop in hydropower generation will raise energy security risks, leading some countries to fill the gap with fossil-fuel based power generation.

Complexities of battery supply chain may slow EV adoption

China dominates supply chains for batteries and critical raw materials, which poses risks for US and EU companies in the electric-vehicle (EV) sector.

Singapore to propose climate reporting for large companies

Singapore’s Sustainability Reporting Advisory Committee launched a public consultation on its recommendations to make climate-related disclosures mandatory for all listed and large non-listed companies.

UAE raises targets for sustainable energy in 2030

The UAE government has approved an updated National Energy Strategy, enshrining goals to triple renewable power‑generation capacity and increase the share of clean energy in the energy mix.

How will El Niño affect Latin America and the Caribbean?

The effects of El Niño will vary by geography and season, but its impact will be most apparent in the primary, infrastructure and electricity sectors amid changing precipitation patterns.

Uneven rise of renewables in Europe

The energy crisis in Europe and tightening regulatory standards have boosted efforts to diversify energy-supply sources.

Saudi renewables development belatedly picks up speed

The kingdom’s initially slow-moving renewable energy programme is accelerating rapidly, promising to free up oil and gas and creating huge commercial opportunities.

China’s EVs make inroads in Europe

China has invested heavily in EV and renewable technologies in the past decade, gaining competitive advantages in nearly all aspects of the EV value chain.

El Niño: South and Southeast Asia’s 2023 wild card

There is a very high risk of an acute El Niño event causing severe economic disruptions to Asia in 2023. The effects across the region will vary widely.

Thailand to tackle transboundary haze as pollution worsens

Northern Thailand has had some of the world’s worst air pollution levels in recent weeks. The Thai prime minister, Prayuth Chan‑ocha, held talks on April 7th with his counterparts from Laos and Myanmar to discuss joint measures to alleviate the problem.

EU decision on e-fuels unblocks electric-vehicle targets

On March 28th, the EU approved legislation ending sales of new carbon-emitting cars by 2035. However, an exception was made for internal combustion engine (ICE) cars that run on e-fuels.

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C is unlikely

The world is on course to exceed the 1.5°C target in the first half of the 2030s, unless definitive and far-reaching steps are taken immediately.

Investor interest in Kenya’s renewable energy sector rises

Kenya’s reliance on renewables for roughly 90% of its power needs—and the aim of lifting this to 100% by 2030—is helping to attract climate change mitigation financing from global sources.

Saudi Arabia launches world’s largest solar-power plant

The solar-power facility is expected to start operations by end‑2025, with a generation capacity of 2,060 MW.

Automakers move to adopt a circular economy

Several automakers, including Renault (France), Stellantis (Netherlands) and Volkswagen (Germany), are trying to develop circularity in vehicle production, allowing them to reuse materials and resources to reduce waste.

Canada’s federal government imposes 2035 EV mandate

On December 21st the Liberal government published draft regulations requiring that all new passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in Canada after 2035 be electric zero-emission vehicles.

Thailand’s sustainability policy: getting its act together

Climate change poses a big risk for Thailand, but the country’s current commitment to combat climate change at a global level remains modest.

Make an inquiry

Find out how we can empower your organisation. Please contact us by submitting the form below.

Explore our solutions

ESG Rating

Measuring environmental, social and governance risks

Understand country risks from the environmental, social and governance (ESG) environment with EIU’s expert analysis and rating of qualitative indicators and extensive official data.

Find out more

Country Analysis

Prepare for what’s ahead

Understand the political, policy and economic outlook with EIU’s award-winning forecasts, analysis and data. Our Country Analysis service examines the global dynamics that will affect your organisation, empowering you to plan for the future.

Find out more

Operational Risk

Identify, compare and mitigate risk across 180 markets

Plan effectively with EIU’s expert analysis and data on the risk factors affecting your strategy, including current and future threats to cyber-security, political stability and climate-change management.

Find out more

Speaker Bureau

Book the experts behind the award-winning forecasts

Empower your company with insights from EIU’s country and industry specialists. Our analysts can be booked for virtual and in-person events, internal training or decision-making meetings.

Find out more