Sustainable Horizons Newsletter - Issue #16

September 11-17, 2025

Hello and welcome to the 16th edition of Sustainable Horizons!

This week, we dive into the most significant updates in the world of sustainability, from Europe to Australia, and from new technologies to enduring challenges. Sustainability isn't just about reports; it's about real actions and changes happening on the ground.

In this issue, we will explore:

1- New European legislation holding fashion brands financially responsible for their textile waste.

2- A historic achievement in Australia with the creation of the first marine park co-designed with Traditional Owners.

3- Pioneering innovations in renewable energy and carbon solutions.

4- An overview of the progress made on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Don't just read! Share your thoughts in the comments about which of these topics interests you most, and share the newsletter with your colleagues to collectively build a more sustainability-aware community.

Newsletter Content

1. The EU Tackles Textile Waste: Financial Responsibility on Fashion Brands

In a bold move towards implementing the "circular economy" and "polycrisis mitigation," the European Union has approved a new law that makes fashion brands financially responsible for the waste generated by their products. This legislation aims to change the "fast fashion" model, which excessively consumes resources and creates tons of non-recyclable waste.

This law embodies one of the "just transition frameworks" by shifting the environmental cost from society to the entities responsible for producing this waste. It lays a cornerstone in building "stakeholder capitalism," where corporate responsibility extends beyond profit generation to include environmental and social impacts.

2. Australia Achieves Historic Milestone: First Marine Park Co-Designed with Traditional Owners

In a gesture reflecting the importance of collaboration and inclusivity, Australia has announced the creation of its first marine park, co-designed with Indigenous Traditional Owners. This project not only protects marine biodiversity but also recognizes the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples as a fundamental element in environmental management.

This new model of environmental governance paves the way for future projects that combine modern scientific expertise with wisdom inherited over thousands of years. It aligns with "just transition frameworks" by empowering Indigenous communities in conservation efforts.

3. Innovative Solutions in Renewable Energy: Repairable and Recyclable Solar Panels

The problem of electronic waste from solar panels has long been a significant challenge for renewable energy. However, Dutch innovators have offered a promising solution: solar panels designed to be repairable and recyclable. These new panels can solve the biggest problem facing renewable energy, ensuring its long-term sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint, contributing to "polycrisis mitigation."

4. Ecosia "Waters" the Sahara: An Inspiring Reforestation Project in Burkina Faso

The search engine company Ecosia has proven the saying "You can't reforest this land; it rarely rains" wrong. Through its project in Burkina Faso, the company succeeded in transforming a dry, barren land into a thriving green forest between 2016 and 2022.

This project demonstrates that reforestation is possible even in the most challenging environments and reflects the great importance of investing in nature-based solutions to combat climate change, aligning with "just transition frameworks" and "polycrisis mitigation."

5. UN 2025 Report: Progress on Sustainable Development Goals "Off Track"

According to the UN Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025, progress towards achieving these goals is "not on track." The report indicates that only 15% of the sub-targets are on track, while a significant number face stagnation or regression. This assessment reinforces the need for concerted international efforts and "just transition frameworks" to ensure these goals are met by 2030.

For the full report, please visit the official UN website: UN Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025.

credit for some topics to Giulia Marzetti - Sebastian Manhart - Vojtech Vosecky

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