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The GreenWave Podcast By Synergy International Episode 13 is out! March 24, 2025 |
The GreenWave Gazette - A round-up of recent sustainabilty news and events around the globe by Synergy International. Welcome back!đđ Welcome back to Synergy Internationalâs GreenWave newsletter! đđThe GreenWave Podcast By Synergy International Episode 13:
The Impact of SDGs Today and TomorrowOur latest episode of the GreenWave Podcast is now live: Episode 13
đ đ Pod13 just dropped all about UN Sustainable Development Goals đ đ . Dive deep with our host SYNI, who strikes a slightly cheeky tone this week, as we explore how these global goalsâaffectionately known as the SDGsâcan still shape a net-zero, sustainable future in 2025âs shifting political climate. Ever wonder if climate commitments can survive massive geopolitical twists? Join us as we untangle the forces influencing sustainable development from the U.S. to Europe, China, and Africa.
đą In this episode, we spotlight each SDGâs origin story, shining extra light on our personal favorite: SDG 14âLife Below Water. From plastic pollution to overfishing and rising sea temperatures, ocean health is hanging by a thread. We delve into how marine ecosystems regulate climate, feed billions, and sustain local economies. Expect tangible examples of how governments and businesses are uniting to keep our seas vibrantâand what could happen if they donât. Read more... 
Why đżđŠ Banks Face Accusations of "Green(back) Washing"We're in no position to cast an entire country's banking system as defacto-villains in the transition to a net zero future, but it looks like there are those entities with such a mandate who have turned their spotlight onto South Africa. Enter whistleblower bank.green. đą Perhaps recent public discussion in SA of relabelling coal as a critical mineral, a term generally applied to energy sources important for the transition to renewable energy, was enough to raise the red flag. And truth is SA is Africaâs largest polluter. Hands down. And its polluting industries are fully supported by its banking sector. đ„ The real puzzle here isnât just about who funds what. Itâs about who labels what, and how these labels redefine entire industries overnight. âCoal as a critical mineralâ is as jarring as âdeep-fried kaleâ â sure, the words are in there, but it doesnât quite taste right. And when the biggest polluter on the continent starts tweaking the narrative, eyes widen across the globe. Read more... 
Will Surge in DataCenter Power Needs Make a Case for CCS?We have yet to fully buy into the Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) narrative. This question still curbs our enthusiasm: why burn so much investment power to bury existing carbon emissions in such an expensive way, as opposed to investing to develop larger-scale cheaper energy without C02 emissions in the future? Still sustainability is not an 100% either/or đ and the anticipated surge in US demand for electricity to power data centres will be largely driven by burning natural gas. So the issue of an ever ballooning carbon footprint from explosive data centre power demand requires as many solutions as can be proven cost effective.đ While questions linger over the efficiency and cost of CCS, thereâs no denying that data centers are fast becoming the power-hungry behemoths of the digital world. AI innovations are driving a thirst for more electricity, and much of that grid supply remains tethered to fossil fuels. Facing down the growing carbon load isnât a matter of picking favoritesârenewable energy, CCS, efficiency measures, or nuclearâitâs about realizing we need every viable tool if weâre going to keep greenhouse gas levels in check. Read more... 
MSFT Says Not So Fast Amid Din of Anti-Sustainable ChatterMost of us are aware of a multiplying number of large banks and corporates moving away from their climate objectives in recent weeks. A narrative is now being established that the tide is running out fast on business commitment to sustainability. And by definition, it implies the previous high-tide of "green" adoption in the mega-bank and conglomerate world was merely a phase, driven by temporary factors like political considerations. Amid this din, we were pleased to learn that Microsoft, a corporate heavyweight by any definition, is buying 3.5 million carbon credits that promote reforestation in the Amazon. đ± At a time when naysayers claim sustainability is just another fleeting buzzword, Microsoftâs major move sends a loud-and-clear message: corporate climate action can be real, even when the winds of public opinion shift. Read more... The Latest Sustainability DevelopmentsThe latest LinkedIn newsletter post highlights recent developments in sustainability.Check it out here. UPCOMING EVENTS Canadian Hydrogen Convention Date: April 22-24, 2025 Location: Edmonton, Canada As the largest event in Canada showcasing hydrogen as a key enabler to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the Canadian Hydrogen Convention is the only annual meeting place for energy executives, government officials and Indigenous leaders to convene to build Canadaâs low-carbon energy future.
GLF Forests 2025 Date: April 24â25, 2025 Location: Bonn, Germany, and online Organized by the Global Landscapes Forum, this event will focus on forest conservation, sustainable management, and the role of forests in combating climate change. It offers both in-person and virtual participation options.
ChangeNOW 2025 Date: April 25-27, 2025 Location: Paris, France This three-day summit is returning for its 8th edition, bringing together stakeholders from across the impact sector to plan innovative solutions through workshops, conferences and networking opportunities.
Gulf Transition & Sustainable Finance 2025 Date: April 30, 2025 Location: Abu Dhabi This conference hosted by Environmental Finalnce will provide a vital platform for issuers, investors, and key stakeholders to engage in discussions shaping the future of sustainable finance in the Gulf. Our track record includes hosting one of the earliest Green Bond conferences, where the Green Bond Principles were first discussed, and we are proud to continue this tradition in the Middle East.
GLF Forests 2025 Date: April 24â25, 2025 Location: Bonn, Germany, and online Organized by the Global Landscapes Forum, this event will focus on forest conservation, sustainable management, and the role of forests in combating climate change. It offers both in-person and virtual participation options.
ChangeNOW 2025 Date: April 25-27, 2025 Location: Paris, France This three-day summit is returning for its 8th edition, bringing together stakeholders from across the impact sector to plan innovative solutions through workshops, conferences and networking opportunities.
Hydrogen Economy Forum Date: May 13, 2025 Location: Kuching, Malaysia The Hydrogen Economy Forum aims to discuss the development and implementation of hydrogen as a key component of the future energy economy, featuring experts from various sectors.
World Hydrogen Summit 2025 Date: May 2025 (Exact dates to be confirmed) Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands The World Hydrogen Summit gathers global industry experts to exchange insights, build alliances, and sign agreements to advance hydrogen project developments into the 2030s. world-hydrogen-summit.com
International Hydrogen Technologies Congress Date: May 25, 2025 Location: Izmir, Turkey This congress focuses on advancements in hydrogen technologies, providing a platform for researchers and industry professionals to discuss innovations and applications in the hydrogen sector.
African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Date: September 29 to October 3, 2025 Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC2) in Cape Town, South Africa Organized by the African Energy Chamber, AEW serves as a premier platform uniting African energy stakeholders, global investors, and industry leaders for discussions on the continent's energy future. The event features high-level discussions, networking opportunities, exhibitions, private meetings, deal-signing forums, and project site visits, all aimed at driving industry growth and development.
20th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) Date: September 2025 (Exact dates to be confirmed) Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia This conference will gather scientists and professionals to discuss sustainable development in energy, water, and environmental systems. It serves as a platform for sharing research and advancements in these fields.
COP30 â 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference Date: November 10â21, 2025 Location: BelĂ©m, ParĂĄ, Brazil The 30th UN Climate Change Conference will convene global leaders to discuss and negotiate actions to address climate change. This marks the first time the conference will be held in the Amazon region, highlighting the importance of rainforest conservation. Visit the sustainability conferences and events calendar. |
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