Sustainability Trends in 2024 | Tunley Environmental

2024 was a year of big changes across industries, governments and communities in sustainability. Global climate action has made great strides, and developments in renewable energy have signalled an increase in the use of clean power in a variety of industries. The Tunley Environmental 2024 Sustainability Report provides a thorough analysis of the record-breaking achievements, innovative solutions and critical challenges that helped shape the global sustainability agenda this year. This article offers a concise summary of key sustainability trends in 2024. 

Climate Action is Improving (in Some Cases)

Climate action took centre stage in 2024, with landmark achievements redefining global efforts to combat climate change.

• In September 2024, the UK became the first G7 nation to completely phase out coal power after 140 years, with the closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar coal plant.
• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearings in December to establish the legal obligations of states concerning climate change. This historic process, spearheaded by nations like Vanuatu, could reshape global accountability for climate inaction

While there have been some positive changes this year and improvements in climate action, it’s important to note that

Worrying Reports on Global Warming

The impacts of global warming have become undeniable, with 2024 marking the hottest year ever recorded. On a positive note, investments in carbon capture technologies surged, with a record number of projects globally aimed at mitigating CO₂ emissions. These projects are set to double CO₂ capture capacity to 100 Mtpa, highlighting the innovative strides being taken to address global warming in 2024.

• Data from the European Copernicus Climate Change Service reveals that 2024 is the first year to exceed the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels for an entire calendar year.
• The Global Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS Institute) reports a 60% year-on-year increase in carbon capture projects, with 628 initiatives in the pipeline.

Biodiversity and Environmental Challenges

Biodiversity loss and environmental degradation remain critical concerns in 2024, as climate change and human activities threaten ecosystems worldwide. Protecting ecosystems remains a priority amid increasing environmental degradation.

• The UN’s Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) highlights that over 20% of migrating animals are at risk of extinction due to climate change and human encroachment.
• The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) introduced an £11 million fund to combat water pollution and restore ecosystems.
  
  

Significant Breakthroughs in Renewable Energy

Renewables continued to outpace fossil fuels in 2024, with progress reported in the Electric Vehicle (EV) and hydropower sectors. This reflects the potential of renewables to drive decarbonisation and reshape the global energy landscape.

• By August 2024, China surpassed its 2030 renewable energy targets, achieving 1,206 GW of installed capacity. Despite this progress, reliance on coal in China persists, with over 41 GW of new coal plants under construction.
• Electric vehicles accounted for over 20% of car sales in the UK, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reaching 18.7%.
• The International Hydropower Association reports a 400 GW increase in global hydropower capacity, solidifying its position as the largest source of renewable electricity.
• The UK will end 2024 with renewable sources like wind, solar and hydropower accounting for a greater share of its electricity mix than fossil fuels.
  
  

The 2024 Annual Sustainability Report

The Tunley Environmental Sustainability Report contains all the information about sustainability trends and insights in 2024. This report explores critical areas such as carbon reduction, biodiversity conservation and resource efficiency. It includes a thorough summary of our operating year, sustainability difficulties and the most recent regulatory revisions. For organisations hoping to make significant strides in the direction of a sustainable future, this is a vital resource.

What you can find in this report

• Global sustainability developments in climate action, biodiversity and energy infrastructure.
• Regulatory guidance shaping industries worldwide.
• Tunley’s year in review.
• Challenges facing global sustainability progress.
• Highlights from COP 16 and COP 29.
• Outlook on sustainability in 2025.

Download Your Copy for Free Here: Tunley Environmental's Sustainability Report 2024

The Bottom Line

The sustainability trends in 2024 signal a turning point in our global response to environmental challenges. While remarkable progress has been made, challenges like global warming, biodiversity loss and water scarcity emphasise the need for urgent and continuous action.