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2024: an environmental review

An image of a forest.

Last year marked significant advancements in sustainability and renewable energy. Our Net Zero team summarised the key environmental developments from 2024.

January

The UK government launched a Solar Taskforce aiming to expand solar power capacity nearly fivefold to 70 GW by 2035. This initiative focuses on utilising commercial rooftops, schools, warehouses, and car parks for solar installations to enhance energy security, lower consumer bills, and create long-term employment opportunities. The then Energy Minister, Graham Stuart, highlighted the potential of these spaces for cleaner energy generation.

February

The UN’s Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 forecasts that municipal waste is expected to rise from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. The cost of waste management, approximately USD 252 billion in 2020, could be optimised through better strategies and a circular economy approach, potentially generating an annual gain of USD 108.5 billion. The report calls for urgent, sector-wide action to address the growing waste problem.

March

At the Buildings and Climate Global Forum in Paris, 70 countries signed the ‘Declaration de Chaillot’ to accelerate the development of carbon-neutral and climate-resilient buildings. This agreement promotes international cooperation through regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and sustainable construction practices.

April

The UK government introduced a new law banning wet wipes that contain plastic, aiming to reduce plastic pollution and protect waterways.

May

The G7 nations committed to phasing out coal by 2035, aligning with the international pledge made at COP28. While countries like France, Italy, Canada, and the UK have already minimised coal use, others, such as Germany, the US, and Japan, still rely heavily on it.

June

On World Environment Day, the UK marked its commitment to sustainability with 66 nationwide activities. Meanwhile, Swiss startup Transmutex developed nuclear transmutation technology capable of reducing radioactive waste by 80%, decreasing its hazardous lifespan from hundreds of thousands of years to under 500.

July 

Seven countries, including Iceland, Nepal, and Ethiopia, now generate nearly 100% of their electricity from renewable sources such as geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind power. To meet the COP28 goal of tripling renewable energy by 2030, annual growth must reach at least 320 gigawatts.

August

Formula 1 announced it would replace diesel generators with renewable energy sources. As part of its goal to achieve Net Zero operational carbon emissions by 2030, the sport will implement on-site solar power, bioenergy, and energy storage technologies at all European Grand Prix events.

September

The Earthshot Prize announced its finalists for 2024, recognising global innovators who are tackling climate change, waste reduction, air quality improvement, and conservation efforts.

October

Australia announced plans to protect 52% of its ocean territory, making it the global leader in marine conservation. This initiative involves expanding the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve by over 300,000 square kilometres, surpassing the global target of protecting 30% of oceans by 2030.

Amazon revealed its plans to eliminate plastic air pillows from its global fulfilment centres to reduce plastic pollution. Environmental groups praised this move for its positive impact on marine ecosystems.

Paris reduced the speed limit on its ring road from 70 km/h to 50 km/h, a measure expected to lower noise pollution, reduce accidents, and improve air quality while easing traffic congestion. A comprehensive five-year study will evaluate its long-term impacts.

November

At COP29, world leaders, experts, and communities convened to discuss pressing climate challenges and collaborative solutions. Members of the Amber team shared insights from each thematic day and key negotiations, highlighting crucial climate action commitments.

Amber_COP29-Summary-2

December 

The UK government launched a ‘Clean Power Action Plan’ to meet its 2030 grid decarbonisation target, increasing investment to £40 billion annually between 2025 and 2030. Gas-fired power plants are expected to contribute only 5% of the energy mix by 2030, down from 30%, with a revised renewable grid connection system prioritising clean energy projects.

National Grid unveiled a £35 billion plan to modernise the energy system, aiming to double capacity and create a more dynamic infrastructure to support the UK’s decarbonisation goals.

In 2025, it’s vital to embrace transparency and celebrate your position on your Net Zero journey. Our experts can help you no matter where you are in your Net Zero plan. If you’d like to speak to one you can get in contact here.

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