This week’s sustainability news is a mix of urgent reminders and promising developments. From wildfire alerts to new global climate tools, here are the headlines reshaping our environmental future.
📘 UN Launches Playbook for Renewable Energy Rollout
Credit: Joan Sullivan / Climate Visuals Countdown
Source: United Nations Climate Change
The UNFCCC has released a practical new guide to help countries move from climate pledges to renewable energy plans. The guidebook outlines a framework for Technology Needs Assessment (TNA), backed by case studies from Liberia, Brazil, and others.
Key areas include:
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Selecting the right clean energy technologies
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Building action plans that attract investment
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Designing fair, low-emission energy systems
With support from partners like IRENA and UNIDO, the guide aims to accelerate national transitions to solar, wind, and other renewables.
🔁 Packaging Recycling Summit 2025 Spotlights Circular Innovation
Credit: 2025 Summit Brochure Cover
Source: Packaging Recycling Summit
Held in Irving, Texas, this year’s Packaging Recycling Summit gathered experts across the supply chain to tackle global packaging waste.
Major themes included:
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Smarter design for recyclability
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Advanced material recovery
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Collaborative solutions for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Sessions emphasized the growing need for policy, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships—values aligned with ECOLipak’s mission to replace single-use plastic with compostable alternatives.
🌡️ Scientists Warn of Imminent Breach of 1.5°C Climate Limit
Credit: Low water levels are visible at Woodhead Reservoir in Derbyshire as the area experiences a significant drought, in Woodhead, England, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)
Source: AP News
A new report warns the Earth could cross the 1.5°C warming threshold by 2028. The “carbon budget”—the amount of CO₂ we can still emit—is shrinking fast, with just 143 billion tonnes remaining. At current rates, we’ll hit the ceiling within three years.
Consequences of passing the threshold may include:
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More destructive storms, droughts, and heatwaves
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Sea-level rise locked in for centuries
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Disruption of ecosystems and agriculture globally
Researchers stress that cutting emissions remains essential, even if the 1.5°C goal is temporarily exceeded.
🔥 U.S. Wildfires Intensify as 2025 Season Escalates
Credit: Freepik@pibi37studio
Source: National Interagency Fire Center
As of June 22, the National Interagency Fire Center reports 19 major wildfires and 15 monitored burns across multiple states.
Active zones include:
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Arizona
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New Mexico
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California
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Florida
So far this year, over 32,000 wildfire incidents have scorched more than 226,000 acres. With more than 6,500 personnel deployed, officials are urging the public to follow fire safety guidance—especially as hotter, drier conditions become the new normal.
⚡ EPA Moves to Roll Back Power Plant Emissions Limits
Credit: The Warick Power Plant, a coal-fired electricity-generating station, operates, April 8, 2025, in Newburgh, ind. (AP Photo/oshua A. Bickel, file)
Source: AP News
A proposal from the EPA would weaken regulations that limit greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants from fossil fuel plants. The rollback targets rules credited with reducing mercury emissions and saving thousands of lives annually.
If finalized, the move could:
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Increase health risks from air and water pollution
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Reverse hard-won progress on climate and public health
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Undercut gains from the Clean Air Act
The proposed changes are open for public comment. At ECOLipak, we stand behind strong, science-based environmental protections as essential to long-term sustainability.
🛒 Small Change, Big Impact: Switch to Compostable Tableware
In a week full of warnings, here’s one action you can take today: swap plastic for compostable tableware.
At ECOLipak, our compostable plates and cups are made from sugarcane and other plant-based materials—ideal for events, takeout, or everyday use. Every switch helps reduce plastic waste and supports a circular economy.
🌿 Want to serve sustainably?
Browse our certified collection at ECOLipak.com
