--- title: "Signals Amidst the Noise: June 23, 2021" description: We curate updates on government, finance and corporate net zero news weekly from the world’s media. Here is today’s update. image: https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/blog%20art/GO_Signals_062321-1.jpg --- ![Outrage + Optimism logomark](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/logo/OutrageOptimism_LogomarkOnly_White.svg)Outrage + Optimism ![Down arrow](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/layout/GO_Icons_ChevronDownBlack.svg) [![LinkedIn icon](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/19539524/layout/linkedin-brands-b.svg) Follow on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/outrageoptimism) [![Instagram icon](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/19539524/layout/instagram-square-brands-b.svg) Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outrageoptimism/) [![Twitter icon](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/19539524/layout/twitter-brands-b.svg) Follow on Twitter](https://twitter.com/OutrageOptimism) [![YouTube icon](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/layout/youtube-brands-b.svg) Follow on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/outrageandoptimism) ![Logomark](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/logo/OutrageOptimism_LogomarkOnly_White.svg)Close Menu ![Close](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/logo/GO_Icons_CloseBlack.svg) ![Outrage + Optimism logo](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/logo/OutrageOptimism_Logo_V3.svg) ## Behind the scenes on the politics, investments and actions meeting the climate crisis head on ![Arrow](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/layout/GO_Icons_ArrowBlack.svg) ![Global Optimism logo](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/logo/GlobalOptimism_Logo_V2.svg) ## Stubborn optimism is a choice. Join us in tackling the climate crisis with conviction, scale and speed ![Arrow](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/layout/GO_Icons_ArrowWhite.svg) ### Share ![Net Zero](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/blog%20art/GO_Signals_062321-1.jpg) Today the IPCC’s working group 2 paper, due out in February 2022[ was leaked.](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210623-crushing-climate-impacts-to-hit-sooner-than-feared-draft-un-report) It’s an extremely tough read. The draft says, “The choices societies make now will determine whether our species thrives or simply survives as the 21st century unfolds,” according to newswire, AFP. Here’s this week’s news on efforts underway to turn catastrophe into opportunity.   **Governments** - Following the G7 Summit in Cornwall, leaders of the seven largest Western economies published their [shared agenda](https://www.g7uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Carbis-Bay-G7-Summit-Communique-PDF-430KB-25-pages-3.pdf). Key climate initiatives include: - Cease financing through international investments for coal plants and mines without carbon-capture technology by the end of 2021 – but did not agree on a specific end date for the use of coal. - Reaffirmed commitment to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 [we note this has been on the table since 2009]. - Agreed to cut collective greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 as an interim target for the achievement of net zero global emissions by 2050. - Expressed support for mandatory disclosures to the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). - Renewed pledge to raise $100 billion a year to help developing countries cut emissions.  - Agreed to conserve or protect at least 30% of land and oceans by 2030 and adopted the G7 2030 Nature Compact to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. - Leading scientists are set to launch the [Climate Crisis Advisory Group](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jun/20/head-of-independent-sage-to-launch-international-climate-change-group), an independent expert group to advise, warn and criticise global policymakers about the climate and nature crises. - The Scottish Government, The Climate Group and Bloomberg Philanthropies launched [Net Zero Futures ](https://www.theclimategroup.org/net-zero-futures)to provide a space for subnational governments to share net zero learnings and challenges. - The UK Taskforce on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform [proposed](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/994125/FINAL_TIGRR_REPORT__1_.pdf) a regulatory overhaul to create a smart energy grid and accelerate offshore wind, hydrogen, clean tech, net zero transportation, and green farming markets to accelerate the net zero transition. - The UK government [committed ](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-commits-to-nature-positive-future-in-response-to-dasgupta-review)to creating a ‘nature positive’ future through a number of initiatives ensuring new infrastructure projects result in net gain biodiversity, ensuring bilateral aid spending doesn’t harm nature, and committing around $4 million to develop the TNFD framework. - NATO members [agreed ](https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_185000.htm?selectedLocale=en)for the first time to increase efforts to tackle climate change, asking the Secretary General to create a target for emissions reductions in military activities and examine the feasibility of reaching net zero by 2050. And as a reminder – you can hear NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s thoughts on tackling the climate crisis in our recent podcast [our recent podcast.](https://globaloptimism.com/podcast/102-cooling-conflict-by-tackling-the-climate-crisis-with-jens-stoltenberg/)   **Finance** - Cardano and its master trust pension scheme [Now Pensions](https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4033193/cardano-pensions-set-2050-net-zero-portfolio-targets) and the [UN staff pension fund ](https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4033130/united-nations-staff-pension-fund-sets-2050-net-zero-target)set targets for net zero portfolios by 2050. - AXA’s investment arm expanded its [policy](https://www.axa-im.co.uk/insights/news/responsible-investment-news/axa-im-expands-its-palm-oil-policy-protect-ecosystems-and) to ban investments in companies that contribute to deforestation and biodiversity loss. - Legal and General Investment Management, Britain’s largest investor, [dropped ](https://www.ft.com/content/44245000-3167-46db-b9f7-8731ca925187)AIG from its portfolio for having insufficient policies in place over climate change risks, such as having no policy on thermal coal or the disclosure of carbon emissions associated with its investments. - A majority of Delta Air Lines’ shareholders [voted](https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/majority-delta-shareholders-vote-disclosure-climate-lobbying-efforts-2021-06-17/) in favour of the company disclosing its climate lobbying efforts. - Women in Climate Tech announced a [new program ](https://womeninclimatetech.org/apply-now/)to create a TCFD-aligned toolkit governments and businesses can use to improve investors’ understanding of the relationship between climate change and gender equity. - CDP [announced ](https://www.cdp.net/en/articles/media/a-record-168-investors-with-us17-trillion-of-assets-urge-1300-firms-to-disclose-environmental-data)a record number of 168 investors with $17 trillion of assets urged 1,300+ firms to disclose environmental data.   **Corporations** - Legal experts from across the globe have drawn up[ a “historic” legal definition of Ecocide, ](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/22/legal-experts-worldwide-draw-up-historic-definition-of-ecocide)intended to be adopted by the international criminal court. If adopted, an ecocide law will allow prosecution of cross-border corporate offenses – and governments – against the environment. Stop Ecocide’s director, Jojo Mehta talked to us recently on [Outrage + Optimism.](https://globaloptimism.com/podcast/97-jojo-mehta-on-ecocide-and-ending-impunity/) - Ralph Lauren [committed ](https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/pr_210615_NetZero.html)to achieving net zero emissions in its operations and value chain by 2040. - Rolls-Royce announced [plans ](https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2021/17-06-2021-rr-launches-pathway-to-power-net-zero-economy.aspx)to make all products compatible with net zero by 2030, and all products in operation compatible by 2050. If you enjoyed last week’s Outrage & Optimism podcast with Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce, you’ll probably enjoy [this oped ](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/06/5-ways-to-unlock-a-zero-carbon-future-for-heavy-industry)he co-authored with Christiana Figueres on the challenges and opportunities for heavy industry in getting to net zero.   - Tyson Foods [announced ](https://www.tysonfoods.com/news/news-releases/2021/6/tyson-foods-targets-2050-achieve-net-zero-greenhouse-gas-emissions)ambition to achieve net zero emissions across its global operations and supply chain by 2050. - UPS [committed ](https://investors.ups.com/_assets/ups/files/pages/ups/db/1149/description/UPS+ESG+Strategy+June+2021.pdf)to achieving carbon neutrality across scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2050. - Equinor announced [plans](https://www.equinor.com/en/news/20210615-cmd-2021.html) to have renewables and other low carbon solutions comprise over 50% of its capital investments by 2030, compared to 4% last year. - IKEA [launched ](https://about.ikea.com/en/newsroom/2021/06/10/ikea-launches-new-program-to-accelerate-suppliers-transition-to-100-per-cent-renewable-electricity)a new program to transition to 100% renewable electricity for its direct suppliers as part of a larger goal to use 100% renewable energy in its entire value chain. - The Confederation of British Industry, Britain’s largest business lobby, [urged ](https://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/articles/make-2021-boldest-year-of-uk-net-zero-action-cbi-director-general/#:~:text=International%20efforts%20to%20decarbonise%20are,CBI%20Director%2DGeneral%20Tony%20Danker.&text=He%20will%20add%20that%20in,global%20impact%20of%20climate%20change.)British business and government to “make this the boldest year of net zero action yet.”   Thanks for reading this week’s net zero news digest, we hope you found it useful. Prior issues of ‘Signals Amidst the Noise’ are available [here.](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/blog/tag/signals) This week our podcast, *Outrage + Optimism,* features a very lively discussion with scientist Johan Rockström and economist Tim Jackson. Don’t miss it this Thursday! Available wherever you get your podcasts or at [globaloptimism.com/podcasts.](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/?utm_campaign=Signals%20Amidst%20the%20Noise%3A%20Climate%20Action%20News%20from%20Global%20Optimism) ![](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/layout/GO_GreyLogomark.svg) ## Subscribe to the blog ## Stream the latest episodes ## Latest news stories ![The climate action that matters is in the global south, argues an architect of the Paris agreement](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/shutterstock_2393654307.jpg) ### The climate action that matters is in the global south, argues an architect of the Paris agreement November 17, 2025 ![Brazil can lead the world at COP30](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/Blog.avif) ### Brazil can lead the world at COP30 October 02, 2025 ![Pope Francis had the moral courage to stand up for the Earth and its people](https://www.ncronline.org/files/2025-04/20150618T0900-ENCYCLICAL%20--565376.JPG) ### Pope Francis had the moral courage to stand up for the Earth and its people April 22, 2025 ![Tending to the Broken Bones](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/1738760572687.jpg) ### Tending to the Broken Bones February 07, 2025 ![My Preparations for November 2024](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/shutterstock_247834897.jpg) ### My Preparations for November 2024 November 13, 2024 ![At Cop29, Azerbaijan must be the anchor for 1.5ºC](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/NEWSTATESMan.jpg) ### At Cop29, Azerbaijan must be the anchor for 1.5ºC August 06, 2024 ![Why a mindset of stubborn optimism about the climate crisis is needed, now more than ever](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/figuerres.png) ### Why a mindset of stubborn optimism about the climate crisis is needed, now more than ever January 29, 2024 ![The Climate Stories Our World Needs Now](https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/DOWN_TO_US_jeffers.webp) ### The Climate Stories Our World Needs Now January 16, 2024 Browse and share ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=6481866&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "United Kingdom", "addressLocality" : "Bath", "addressRegion" : "England", "postalCode" : "BA1 3DU", "streetAddress" : "7 Chelsea Road " }, "description" : "Global Optimism works to inspire and catalyse transformations across our economies, and a renewed spirit of human achievement in the face of the climate crisis.", "email" : "info@globaloptimism.com", "image" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/19539524/GlobalOptimism_OGImage_V1.png", "logo" : "https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/logo/OutrageOptimism_LogoPNG-v1.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/blog/signals-amidst-the-noise-june-23-2021", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "We curate updates on government, finance and corporate net zero news weekly from the world’s media. Here is today’s update." }, "naics" : "813312", "name" : "Global Optimism", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.outrageandoptimism.org", "https://www.globaloptimism.com", "https://www.facebook.com/globaloptimism", "https://twitter.com/GlobalOptimism", "https://www.instagram.com/globaloptimism/", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaloptimism/" ], "telephone" : "", "url" : "https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Global Optimism" }, "dateModified" : "July 28, 2021, 14:25:29", "datePublished" : "2021-06-23 13:15:00", "description" : "We curate updates on government, finance and corporate net zero news weekly from the world’s media. Here is today’s update.", "headline" : "Signals Amidst the Noise: June 23, 2021", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/19539524/blog%20art/GO_Signals_062321-1.jpg" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/blog/signals-amidst-the-noise-june-23-2021", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/hubfs/logo/OutrageOptimism_LogoPNG-v1.png" }, "name" : "Global Optimism" } } ```