Category: News

Entry into force of High Seas Treaty marks turning point for deep-sea protection

Stuart Mitchell

S&P Global surveyed sustainability, climate and energy transition leaders and analysts from across our business about the areas that they expect to have the greatest influence on sustainability strategy and decision-making in 2026. The research that follows lays out the 10 key trends we are watching for the year ahead, along with links to datasets, research, and further reading to learn more. On Saturday 17 January 2026, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement – or High Seas Treaty – will enter into force, marking a major milestone in international…

Read More

Global AgTech Startups Invited to Compete for $50,000 in World Food Prize Foundation’s Innovate for Impact Challenge

Stuart Mitchell

The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor, has opened applications for the Innovate for Impact Challenge, the global AgTech startup competition with a grand prize of USD $50,000, which garnered a pool of applicants from over 60 countries and six continents in 2025.  The Innovate for Impact Challenge supports early-stage, tech-driven startups developing solutions to advance global food security and sustainability. Submissions will be narrowed to 10 finalists, with three selected to travel to Des Moines for the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, where they will…

Read More

Sunbelt Rentals funds Forests With Impact apprenticeship with £40,000 grant

Stuart Mitchell

Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland has awarded a £40,000 grant to Forests With Impact, an award-winning, industry-led social enterprise. This funding will increase capacity and support the creation of a new role for a prison leaver in the UK’s only prison-based commercial tree nursery programme. The investment supports UK climate and biodiversity goals by increasing the supply of UK-grown trees, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting rehabilitation through paid work and skills. Sunbelt Rentals has supported Forests With Impact since 2020, helping it grow from an early concept into a national…

Read More

Virgin Media O2 rings in 2026 by donating 12,000 phones to keep people in need connected

Stuart Mitchell

Virgin Media O2 is doubling down on its commitment to tackle digital exclusion, by pledging to donate 12,000 phones to people who need them throughout 2026.  Following the success of its 2025 commitment, where it also provided around 12,000 refurbished phones to those experiencing financial hardship, this year, the operator will again donate devices via its Community Calling programme with environmental charity, Hubbub, to help people in need get online.    The initiative will rehome phones through a nationwide network of charity partners and community groups, including The Multibank, which Virgin Media O2 began supporting last…

Read More

Isle of Wight partners with Digital Poverty Alliance to tackle digital poverty with local device donation drive

Stuart Mitchell

Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, is spearheading a new initiative to combat digital poverty and encouraging local businesses to donate unused devices. Over 6,600 households are deprived in education and over 3,500 households face employment deprivation, revealing the gap in digital access is a huge issue within the Isle of Wight. This drive aims to bridge this digital divide by providing much-needed laptops to schools and community groups, ensuring better access to digital resources for those who are stuck. As part of the ongoing efforts to address…

Read More