1.🌱SEC Approves Launch of U.S.’ First Sustainability-Focused Stock Exchange
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the Green Impact Exchange’s (GIX) Form 1 application, paving the way for the launch of the first U.S. national securities exchange dedicated to sustainability. GIX, founded in 2022 by former NYSE leaders, plans to list companies that commit to measurable, transparent sustainability goals.
📌 Key Highlights:
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GIX aims to begin trading in early 2026
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Only companies with binding sustainability plans and regular ESG reporting may list
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Dual-listing model at launch; primary listing planned in future
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Backed by NYSE veterans Dan Labovitz and Charles Dolan
💬 GIX CEO Dan Labovitz:
“Today’s approval order is an important step forward for sustainability-minded investors and companies.”
💬 GIX President Charles Dolan:
“Climate risk is business risk. GIX connects ESG-focused investors with responsible businesses.”
The exchange sets a new benchmark in integrating sustainability into public market infrastructure and signals a growing institutional demand for climate-aligned financial ecosystems.
2.🌍 Net-Zero Banking Alliance Removes Mandatory 1.5°C Alignment for Member Banks
The UN-backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) has significantly revised its framework, eliminating the mandatory requirement for member banks to align their lending and capital market activities with the 1.5°C warming target of the Paris Agreement. This shift comes after political pressure led to the withdrawal of numerous U.S. and Canadian banks from the alliance.
📌 Key Framework Revisions:
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The 1.5°C-aligned 2050 target is now a recommendation, not a requirement.
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2024 mandatory climate alignment guidance for lending and underwriting has been softened.
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Banks are now encouraged to develop their own decarbonization strategies based on individual constraints and market opportunities.
📉 Impact on Membership:
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Peak: 140 banks, $74T in assets
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Now: 128 banks, $47T in assets
📣 Chair Shargiil Bashir said:
“NZBA enters a new chapter to support banks in advancing green financing opportunities in a rapidly evolving external environment.”
While easing compliance burdens, the move raises concerns over weakening commitments to science-based climate goals.
3.🇪🇺 EU to Set Ecodesign Rules for Apparel, Steel, and Furniture Under 2025–2030 Plan
The European Commission has adopted its 2025–2030 work plan under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), setting new sustainability standards for products like steel, apparel, furniture, tires, and mattresses. The rules aim to promote durability, recyclability, and carbon efficiency across supply chains.
📌 Key Features:
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New Digital Product Passport to inform buyers about environmental attributes
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Ecodesign criteria will cover: durability, reusability, repairability, recycled content, energy use, and footprint data
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Selected product groups were prioritized based on circular economy potential
⚠️ Not included: footwear, chemicals, detergents, paints—despite prior legislative commitments
💬 Environmental groups, including the EEB, warned this weakens the ESPR’s potential impact and opens loopholes
📣 Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner for Environment:
“This initiative delivers legal certainty and fosters innovation and investment for sustainable products.”
The plan reflects a growing regulatory push in the EU to drive market transformation through eco-informed design standards.
4.🇺🇸 Microsoft Signs Landmark Deal for 3.7M Tons of Carbon Removal from U.S. Pulp Mill Project
Microsoft has signed a 12-year agreement to purchase nearly 3.7 million tonnes of carbon removal from CO280, marking one of the largest engineered CDR deals to date. The project will capture and store biogenic CO₂ from a U.S. Gulf Coast pulp and paper mill using BECCS technology.
📌 Key Highlights:
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U.S. paper mills emit 88M tonnes of biogenic CO₂ annually
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Project developed by CO280 in partnership with Aker Carbon Capture and SLB Capturi
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Facility will leverage waste heat, biomass, and nearby geological storage to reduce costs and scale up
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Microsoft aims to become carbon negative by 2030 and views CDR as core to that strategy
📣 Jonathan Rhone, CEO of CO280:
“This deal marks a milestone for CO280 and the CDR sector. We're committed to delivering permanent carbon removal while supporting communities we serve.”
📣 Brian Marrs, Senior Director at Microsoft:
“Integrating CDR into existing paper mills is a scalable, cost-efficient model that brings investment and jobs to timberland communities.”
5.🇺🇸 J.P. Morgan’s Campbell Global Raises $2.3B for Timberland & Climate-Focused Fund
Campbell Global, a timberland advisory firm owned by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, has announced the final close of its Forest & Climate Solutions Fund II at $1.5 billion—well above its $1B target. Additional mandates bring the total raised to $2.3 billion.
📌 Fund Highlights:
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Blends traditional timber production with carbon removal and biodiversity
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Oversees 212,000 acres of sustainably managed forests under SFI certification
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Targets dual returns: long-term income + measurable climate benefits
📣 CEO John Gilleland:
“We manage forests that capture carbon, protect ecosystems, and deliver returns to investors.”
📣 J.P. Morgan’s Jed Laskowitz:
“This strategy offers diversification, income generation, and a proven inflation hedge.”
The fund marks a major step in J.P. Morgan’s broader low-carbon transition investment platform, aligning with investor demand for nature-based climate solutions and sustainable asset classes.
Resource:ESG TODAY
