The Iran war is reshaping energy policy worldwide, and this week's sustainability news is packed with signals that every business leader needs to pay attention to.

In this week's top 10 countdown, I cover how the conflict is simultaneously threatening climate legislation and accelerating the global shift to renewables. We look at the CDP data showing that companies hitting emission targets are outperforming their rivals. I break down why US states are wavering on climate laws, how food supply chains are buckling under pressure, and why energy efficiency is saving businesses millions right now.

Plus, three mind-blowing environmental facts that did not make the mainstream news.

This is your weekly sustainability intelligence briefing. If you work in sustainability, lead a business, or advise organisations on climate strategy, this is the content that keeps you ahead.

If you want to join our network of sustainability professionals and consultants, drop me a message or comment below.

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I'm Will Richardson, Head of Ecosystems at 51toCarbonZero and a sustainability advisor with 25 years in the field. I founded Green Element in 2004 and spent two decades building it into one of Europe's most respected sustainability consultancies before it merged with 51toCarbonZero in November 2025. Climate action is both an obligation and an opportunity, and that's the thread running through everything I write here. I co-created Compare Your Footprint, carbon accounting software recognised as a key player in the Global Carbon Accounting Software Market, and I'm a Fellow of IEMA and a Chartered Environmentalist. Each week, I break down what's actually happening in sustainability: the data, the regulation, the greenwash worth calling out, and the practical steps businesses can take right now. No jargon, no doom-mongering, just clear thinking for people who need to make real decisions. I also host the Sustainability Solved podcast with Charlie Luxton, 200+ episodes and counting, where we talk to the people building the solutions. Based in Scotland. Writing for business leaders who want sustainability to make commercial sense, not just moral sense.

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UPCOMING WEBINAR: The Scope 3 Blind Spot: What Your Supplier Data Isn't Telling You

Scope 3 emissions are often the biggest contributor to an organisation’s carbon footprint, yet many businesses are making decisions based on incomplete, outdated or estimated supplier data. In this webinar, we’ll explore the biggest blind spots in supplier emissions data, why they matter for reporting and decarbonisation, and how leading organisations are moving beyond spreadsheets and assumptions to build a more accurate, scalable approach to Scope 3. LIVE ATTENDANCE BONUS: complimentary gap audit of your top 10 suppliers. Wednesday 16 September | 1pm BST https://www.51tocarbonzero.com/webinar-supply-chain/

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