MESSAGES FROM US

Dear Readers,

Every day, new discussions emerge on the sustainability agenda. On one hand, the concept of blue carbon—highlighting the unique role of marine ecosystems in capturing carbon—is gaining more attention, while on the other hand, doubts are growing about the adequacy of carbon storage technologies. In addition, water scarcity has become one of the greatest risks for the business world and makes future scenarios even more thought-provoking. In this newsletter, we have compiled key highlights of the latest sustainability developments for you.

Stay sustainable…

ÖZGÜN ÇINAR, CEO

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ESG NEWS

  • A new study has revealed that plastics pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. Plastic-related diseases and deaths cause health costs of at least $1.5 trillion per year. DETAIL
  • Australian authorities have announced that the Great Barrier Reef has experienced the largest loss of living coral in the last 40 years. This is a critical warning for the health of the oceans. DETAIL
  • A 70-year adaptation journey has led to a 52% reduction in flood-related deaths in Europe, thanks to early warning systems and preparedness strategies. DETAIL
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  • Coldplay is re-releasing all its albums in the EcoRecord format, made from recycled plastic bottles. This move pioneers eco-friendly production technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions in music. DETAIL
  • In the first half of 2025, China’s solar energy growth played a critical role in reducing the country’s carbon emissions. The rise of renewables continues at full speed. DETAIL
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  • A major development in global banking’s net-zero goals: The alliance has temporarily halted its activities, potentially impacting the future of sustainable finance. DETAIL
  • The UN “urged countries on Wednesday to set more ambitious climate plans during this month”, Reuters reports, citing a letter issued by UN climate chief Simon Stiell. DETAIL
  • The proportion of employees who believe that their employers are doing enough to address climate change and sustainability has dropped to around 38% over the past few years, according to a new survey released by global professional services firm Deloitte, which also found that climate and sustainability considerations impact individual’s choices in areas ranging from investing and purchasing to employment and even where to live. The findings were released as part of Deloitte’s newly launched “Sustainability Signals Dashboard,” based on twice-annual surveys of approximately 20,000 respondents across 20 countries, exploring how environmental awareness and related behaviors are shifting over time. DETAIL

🍃 GREEN COLUMN🍃

ONE OF THE BIGGEST OVERLOOKED RISKS IN BUSINESS: WATER SCARCITY

Water has long been seen as an easily accessible, cheap, and safe resource. For this reason, it was largely absent from corporate budgets, risk analyses, and investment decisions for many years. However, this assumption is no longer valid. Climate change, drought, and rising temperatures have turned water into a tangible risk. Agricultural restrictions in Southern Europe, declining hydroelectric capacity in the U.S. and the Middle East, and infrastructure challenges even in relatively secure regions like the U.K. are clear indicators of this shift.

Despite water’s critical role, it is still not taken seriously enough in the business world—a troubling reality. For example, a 1 MW data center consumes more than 25 million liters of water annually. With the surge in artificial intelligence workloads, global water withdrawals are projected to reach 1.7 trillion gallons per year by 2027. This means that not only agriculture or heavy industry, but even the digital infrastructure of the future will create significant water demand. If preparations are not made now, in the coming years “water scarcity” will become the biggest obstacle to growth plans.

Data shows that even if global warming is limited to 1.5°C, 31% of global GDP will still be exposed to high water stress. This delivers a clear message: companies that ignore water will face not only operational disruptions, but also financial losses and reputational risks. Water scarcity will create a chain reaction, affecting everything from production to logistics, from supply chains to energy.

Companies must stop evaluating water merely by asking, “How much did we use?” and begin taking a broader perspective. In which regions are assets exposed to water stress? How resilient is infrastructure to water shortages? Will the quality of the water used allow future operations to remain sustainable? Any investment made without addressing these questions carries significant risks.

Water is not just a line item in sustainability reports—it is a strategic factor on par with energy, finance, and human capital. The companies that will thrive in the future are those that not only manage water but also integrate water resilience into their business models.

DAMLA GÜNALP, SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST

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