ESG News Week In Review: 08 February – 15 February

In this week’s ESG News Week In Review, Europe advanced both ambition and enforcement as lawmakers approved a binding 90% emissions cut by 2040 while limiting carbon credit use and banning the destruction of unsold clothing under new circular economy rules. Vietnam signed a $974 million LNG deal to bolster energy security, underscoring the ongoing balance between transition goals and supply stability as trade pressures linked to the EU carbon border mechanism reshape industrial strategy.

Markets moved decisively across carbon, clean power, and finance. Boomitra issued a record 3.03 million soil carbon credits, Zurich secured new removal volumes, and Deep Sky backed Quebec’s carbon storage expansion as buyers locked in high-integrity supply. Meta secured up to 6.6 GW of nuclear power for AI growth, TotalEnergies signed a 1 GW solar deal with Google, and major SAF projects reached financial close in Europe. Green bonds, battery storage financing, maritime decarbonisation funds, and advanced nuclear ventures signaled continued capital commitment to large-scale transition infrastructure.