The News Intel

Category: CSR/ECO/ESG

  • How the light spectrum shapes phytoplankton communities and trophic transfer in aquatic ecosystems |

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    Sebastian Neun, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Germany, discusses his article: Light spectrum matters: Interactive effects of light and nutrients on phytoplankton communities and trophic transfer

    Where is the rainbow?

    All lakes are characterised by a tightly linked network of food chains, and phytoplankton forms the basis of almost all of these, even though most species are so small that they are invisible to the human eye. To provide this service, phytoplankton requires the sufficient availability of nutrients and light for photosynthesis. However, a special feature underwater is that, unlike air, water strongly influences the availability of light. Roughly half of the light reaching the water surface is attenuated in the top few centimetres. In addition, the visible spectrum of solar light is composed of different light colours: violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red (the typical colours of the rainbow). Not all the colours can penetrate that deep because there are so many substances in the water which interact with the incoming radiation by absorbing or scattering the different wavebands.

    Microscopic image of the zooplankton species Daphnia pulex in front of a rainbow-coloured background. These so-called ‘water fleas’ are herbivorous and very efficient filter-feeders in freshwater environments, feeding mainly on phytoplankton. Photograph by Sebastian Neun.

    What is at the end of the rainbow?

    Phytoplankton possess a variety of light-absorbing molecules (pigments) to harvest solar energy for photosynthesis. The ability to absorb the different light colours varies greatly from species to species. Therefore, not only the intensity but also the spectrum of light is important for phytoplankton, although comparatively little is known about the role of light spectrum in ecological processes.

    In our study, we investigated the ecological significance of the light spectrum and how it influences the community structure and biochemical composition of phytoplankton. Since the uptake of light and nutrients in phytoplankton are loosely coupled, the ratio of fixed carbon to nutrients in their cells can vary greatly and depends critically on the environmental conditions, as does the production of more complex molecules. Zooplankton, especially water fleas (Daphnia), need a balanced diet and are very sensitive to a lack of nutrients and fatty acids because both are mandatory for their growth. But how do the abiotic factors of the environment like nutrient supply, light intensity, and light colour influence this interaction between phytoplankton and zooplankton? In a field experiment, we filled bottles with the natural phytoplankton community, shaded them with different light filters, and placed them at different water depths. We thus manipulated the available light intensity, spectrum, and amount of nutrients for the phytoplankton.

    We found that essentially all these factors influenced the community structure and biochemical composition of phytoplankton. The colour of light became particularly relevant when light intensity (and not nutrients) limited phytoplankton growth. Under such conditions, phytoplankton communities are very sensitive to the available light spectrum and change their species composition depending on the colour of the light. Changes in community composition further affected the nutritional quality of the phytoplankton for their primary consumers, resulting in altered growth of herbivorous Daphnia. We observed both differences in the nutrient content and fatty acid composition of phytoplankton, induced by the interactive effects of nutrients and light, including its wavelength spectrum.

    Design and results of the study, describing the interactive effects of nutrients together with light intensity and spectrum on the trophic relationship between phytoplankton and zooplankton. Figure by Sebastian Neun.

    Take away

    We showed that not only light intensity, but also the light spectrum, plays a significant role for plankton in freshwater. Our results suggest that light intensity, light spectrum, and nutrients interactively act at the base of aquatic food webs by altering the species composition and biochemical composition of phytoplankton, particularly in scenarios where light availability is constrained. These effects propagated along the food chain and impacted the performance of herbivorous zooplankton. Thus, we demonstrate that the light spectrum is a significant component of the abiotic environment that influences both plankton dynamics and trophic transfer in aquatic ecosystems.



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  • Ireland: €32 Million WEST Project Launched to Tackle Cross-Border Water Pollution

    Ireland: €32 Million WEST Project Launched to Tackle Cross-Border Water Pollution

    Summary: A €32 million initiative, the Water Enhancements through Sustainable Treatment (WEST) project, has been launched in Fermanagh to address water pollution across seven counties in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Supported by PEACEPLUS funding, the project introduces innovative, low-carbon wastewater treatment solutions and cross-border cooperation to improve water quality in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin, and Donegal Bay.

    🌊 Project Overview

    The WEST project was officially launched at Finn Lough Resort on Lough Erne. It targets pollution in Fermanagh, Tyrone, Leitrim, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan, and Donegal, where contaminants from agriculture, forestry, urban runoff, and wastewater discharges have long threatened water quality.

    Led jointly by NI Water and Uisce Éireann, the initiative will use catchment modelling and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies to design strategies and action plans for approval by regulators on both sides of the border.

    🏗️ Infrastructure Upgrades

    The project will deliver four low-carbon wastewater treatment upgrades:

    • Northern Ireland: Belleek and Garrison
    • Republic of Ireland: Ballybay and Blacklion

    These facilities will improve treatment for at least 5,000 residents, with capacity for an additional 1,000 people, marking the first large-scale trial of nature-based, low-energy treatment technologies in Ireland.

    🤝 Cross-Border Cooperation

    Funded under the PEACEPLUS Water Quality Improvement Programme, WEST embodies a collaborative approach to meeting EU Water Framework Directive standards. The initiative builds on earlier cross-border projects such as Catchment Care, SWIM, SWELL, and Source to Tap, which collectively invested more than €55 million in water quality improvements.

    🗣️ Leadership Voices

    • James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: “Cooperation is vital to ensure the protection and improvement of water quality across the region. The shared approach of this PEACEPLUS-funded project embodies what is needed to improve water quality in a sustainable manner.”
    • Liz Kimmins, Minister for Infrastructure: “Through innovative new approaches and upgrades to wastewater treatment, the WEST Project will bring benefits to our border communities by improving water quality in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin and Donegal Bay.”
    • Gina McIntyre, SEUPB Chief Executive: “WEST will introduce unique cross-border catchment models and strategies which, although common in Europe, have never before been trialled on this scale on the island of Ireland.”

    🌍 Environmental Impact

    By treating the entire catchment as a single ecosystem, WEST aims to reduce pollution, protect natural habitats, and promote a greener, lower-carbon environment. The project is expected to enhance biodiversity, improve public health, and strengthen the region’s appeal for residents, visitors, and investors.

    In summary: The €32 million WEST project represents a landmark in cross-border environmental cooperation, combining innovative wastewater treatment with sustainable catchment management to safeguard water quality in Ireland and Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable river basins.

  • Project to restore and expand Scotland’s ancient forests provides a boost to moth biodiversity – The Applied Ecologist

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    Patrick Cook and his team share their experience investigating how moths respond to a landscape-scale woodland expansion project at Mar Lodge Estate in the Scottish Highlands.

    Background

    Upland landscapes in Scotland have a low cover of native woodland yet provides an excellent opportunity to expand woodland cover for biodiversity. For instance, native pinewood now covers less than 18,000 hectares in 84 small areas and an estimated 23 per cent of those are critically threatened. This has occurred due to historic tree felling, heavy browsing by deer, burning and climate change.

    The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets to create 15,000 ha of new woodland a year from 2024/2025, of which a third will be native woodland. Much of this target is being achieved by tree planting but some projects are increasing woodland cover by reducing deer numbers to levels that allow native woodlands to naturally regenerate and expand. An example of such a project is the National Trust Mar Lodge Estate in Northern Scotland.

    Figure 1. Mar Lodge Estate showing the mountainous terrain and naturally regenerating pine woodland in the foreground © Patrick Cook

    What did we study?

    As deer numbers have been reduced on the northern half of the estate over the last 30 years the habitat response has been rapid and created a diverse landscape comprising (1) open heather moorland without trees which is representative of wider upland landscapes in Scotland to (2) moorland with predominately young Scot’s pine regeneration forming early successional woodland and (3) mature ancient woodland predominantly comprised of Pinebut with Birch components. In this study we investigated how moth species numbers, abundance and community composition differed across these three habitat types on the estate.

    Figure 2. Map showing the study location with moth recording points and photos of each habitat type © Patrick Cook

    What did we find?

    A total of 2977 adult moths of 115 species were recorded including some scarcer species such as Cousin German Protolampra sobrina. The highest number of species and abundance of moths were recorded in the remnant mature pinewood fragments, due to the diversity of habitat structure and foodplants for moths. We also found that moth abundance was higher in the early successional woodlands compared to open moorland showing the value of light tree cover in upland landscapes. The key conclusion from this section of the project was that to maximise number of species and abundance of moths in upland landscapes we need to protect remaining native woodland fragments as a priority but also seek to create early successional woodland.

    Figure 3. A light trap used to record moth species in regenerating woodland © Sarah Wanless

    The community composition results showed that each of the three habitats supported a slightly different community of moths. The community found in the early successional woodland was particularly diverse with open ground and tree associated moth species occurring side by side. Several species we think of as being moorland specialists also had high abundance in this habitat type. Importantly, we also found that the moorland supported some moth communities associated with open ground conditions not found in wooded habitat types. This shows the value of retaining some open areas of habitat in woodland restoration projects, particularly as such habitat types can benefit scarce day-flying moorland moth species. The key results from this section of the study were that we should promote early successional woodlands as they can diversify moth communities after 10-20 years of development, but that a landscape with a rich mosaic of habitat types is the best way to promote moth biodiversity in upland landscapes.

    Figure 4. Cousin German, a scarce moth species that was recorded in the study © Patrick Cook

    What does this mean for practitioners?

    Our study shows that a mosaic of habitats is required to support moths in the uplands and that the protection and long-term expansion of native woodland should be a priority. We also show that early successional woodland, achieved by natural regeneration, increases the diversity of moth communities due to the high habitat heterogeneity and larval food plant opportunities. This latter habitat is largely absent from UK upland landscapes but with suitable herbivore control would quickly proliferate and deliver a boost to biodiversity in only 10-20 years in areas with a suitable seed source and ground conditions.  Open areas of moorland should be retained in the wider landscape as woodland restoration projects progress, to maximise landscape heterogeneity and support moth communities that are distinct from those in woodland habitat. The results of this study show the effectiveness of landscape deer control for promoting habitat restoration and indicate the potential for positive changes to upland biodiversity if this management approach was adopted more widely.

    Figure 5. Regenerating woodland at Mar Lodge Estate showing how habitats can develop with reduced deer numbers © Patrick Cook

    Read the full article ‘Landscape-scale native woodland habitat restoration using natural tree regeneration provides a biodiversity boost for moths in the uplands’ in Ecological Solutions and Evidence.

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  • Some responses from temperate forests

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    Kauane Bordin, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, discusses her article: Growth–survival trade-off in temperate trees is weak and restricted to late-successional stages

    Temperate forests, such as those in the U.S. and Europe, are a huge part of Earth’s lungs. They provide habitat for countless species, store massive amounts of carbon that help slow climate change, and keep ecosystems stable. Understanding how their trees “make decisions” is key to protecting both forests and the planet.

    Forest gap formed by tree mortality in a US temperate forest. Photo by Chris Woodall.

    With finite resources, trees must make choices about how they use their energy. They can put more resources into growing taller and faster, or into living longer and surviving difficult times, but usually, they can’t do both. We call this the growth-survival trade-off. While we expect that these trade-offs are general and widespread, some recent studies have shown that disturbances may have a huge impact on how trees make their decisions. In tropical ecosystems, forests affected by disturbances do not show the growth-survival trade-off because the disturbed environment filters which species can arrive and establish in those conditions, allowing only fast-growing and low-survival species to occur.

    In this study, we looked at forests across the eastern U.S. to see how disturbances – like severe storms, fires, or insect outbreaks – affect the growth-survival trade-off. We compared early successional forests (generally young forests, with lots of disturbance) and late successional forests (usually older and more stable). We used data from the U.S. National Forest Inventory, a large-scale and fundamental assessment of forest structure and dynamics, to answer these questions.

    Surprisingly, we found that the trade-off between fast growth and long survival is pretty weak overall when we combine disturbed and older forests, and it really only shows up a little in older forests. In young, disturbed forests, it basically disappears. In addition, we found that the species in these disturbed environments exhibit faster growth than their conspecifics, but it does not lead to increased mortality. Therefore, differently from tropical forests, temperate tree species in disturbed environments show faster growth without a corresponding increase in mortality. This potentially determines the absence of the growth-survival trade-off across U.S. temperate forests.

    Dead tree in a US temperate forest. Photo by Chris Woodall.

    Why does this matter? Because disturbances are becoming more common with climate change and human activity. If those disturbances disrupt how trees balance growth and survival, it could have broad and large-scale effects. Major disturbances may change which species dominate forests, how forests recover, and even how much carbon they store, which is directly related to climate change.

    In short: forests don’t just grow randomly, and disturbances shape which trees arrive and thrive. If we want healthy forests and a stable climate, we need to understand how these hidden decisions of trees work and develop tools to minimise the consequences of those decisions.



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  • Meta Commits $600 Billion to Sustainable AI Data Centers and U.S. Community Investment

    Meta Commits $600 Billion to Sustainable AI Data Centers and U.S. Community Investment

    Tech giant unveils one of the largest private infrastructure pledges in history to power AI growth and local economies.

    💻 A Historic Investment in AI Infrastructure

    Meta has announced plans to invest $600 billion in U.S. infrastructure and jobs by 2028, with a central focus on building sustainable, AI-optimized data centers. The initiative represents one of the largest private infrastructure commitments ever made in the United States, aimed at reinforcing America’s technological leadership while addressing the surging demand for artificial intelligence computing power TechRadar Business Facilities.

    🌱 Sustainability at the Core

    The company emphasized that all new facilities will be designed to meet LEED Gold certification or higher, with operations powered by 100% clean and renewable energy. Meta has already contracted more than 15 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity to support its data centers, ensuring both energy and water needs are managed in collaboration with local utilities ESG News.

    🏙️ Strengthening Local Communities

    Beyond technology, Meta’s investment is framed as a community-centric initiative. The company has pledged to:

    • Support municipal infrastructure projects in host communities.
    • Provide grants to schools and nonprofits.
    • Expand workforce training, building on the 30,000 skilled trade jobs already supported since 2010.

    Meta estimates its U.S. data center operations have generated over $60 billion in economic activity to date, with the new expansion expected to multiply that impact About Facebook TechRepublic.

    📈 Driving AI Ambitions

    CEO Mark Zuckerberg has described the buildout as essential to developing the next generation of AI products, including what Meta calls “personal superintelligence.” Data centers are positioned as the backbone of these ambitions, enabling Meta to scale AI capabilities while maintaining America’s competitive edge in global technology Data Centre Magazine.

    ⚖️ Balancing Growth and Risk

    While the investment promises jobs and innovation, analysts warn of potential challenges, including strain on power grids, water resources, and local infrastructure. Regulators and investors are expected to closely monitor how Meta balances rapid expansion with sustainability commitments TechRepublic ESG News.

    In summary: Meta’s $600 billion pledge to build sustainable AI data centers marks a transformative moment for U.S. infrastructure, combining technological ambition with community investment. By embedding renewable energy, local partnerships, and workforce development into its strategy, the company aims to power the AI era while strengthening the communities that host its facilities.

    Sources: TechRadar Business Facilities About Facebook TechRepublic Data Centre Magazine ESG News

  • ICMA Unveils Climate Transition Bond Guidelines to Mobilise $6 Trillion for Decarbonisation

    ICMA Unveils Climate Transition Bond Guidelines to Mobilise $6 Trillion for Decarbonisation

    New global standards aim to accelerate financing for hard-to-abate sectors and support Africa’s low-carbon future.

    🌍 A New Era for Transition Finance

    The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) has launched its Climate Transition Bond Guidelines (CTBG), a landmark framework designed to unlock as much as $6 trillion in sustainable financing. Published in November 2025, the guidelines introduce a dedicated Climate Transition Bond (CTB) label, expanding the universe of labelled bonds beyond green, social, and sustainability-linked instruments ICMA ESG Today.

    📑 What the Guidelines Deliver

    The CTBG provide issuance-level guidance to complement ICMA’s Climate Transition Finance Handbook, ensuring that funds raised through these bonds are channelled into credible decarbonisation projects. Key features include:

    • A clear definition of climate transition projects, with safeguards to prevent greenwashing.
    • A focus on hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, aviation, and shipping.
    • Alignment with the Paris Agreement goals, ensuring projects are consistent with net-zero pathways.
    • A preliminary list of eligible activities, from industrial retrofits to large-scale renewable integration ICMA ESG News.

    ⚡ Unlocking Capital for Africa and Beyond

    ICMA emphasises that the guidelines are not only about global decarbonisation but also about unlocking capital for Africa’s low-carbon industrialisation. By creating a credible framework for transition finance, the CTBG aim to attract institutional investors to regions where climate-aligned infrastructure is urgently needed ESG Today lianhegreen.com.

    📈 Market Impact

    The launch comes as the sustainable bond market surpasses $6 trillion in cumulative issuance, but with limited flows into transition-heavy industries. Analysts note that while green bonds have successfully financed renewable energy and clean transport, transition bonds are expected to fill the gap for carbon-intensive sectors that must adapt or risk obsolescence ESG News.

    🗣️ Global Endorsement

    The guidelines were developed by the Executive Committee of the Green, Social, Sustainability, and Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles, backed by ICMA. Market participants have welcomed the move as a critical step in scaling credible transition finance, providing investors with greater confidence in the integrity of labelled bonds.

    In summary: ICMA’s new Climate Transition Bond Guidelines mark a pivotal moment for sustainable finance, offering a robust framework to channel trillions into decarbonisation. By targeting high-emission sectors and supporting Africa’s industrial transition, the initiative could reshape global capital flows and accelerate the path to net zero.

    Sources: ICMA ESG Today ESG News lianhegreen.com

  • EU Secures 21 Airline Pledges to End Misleading Environmental Claims

    EU Secures 21 Airline Pledges to End Misleading Environmental Claims

    Twenty-one carriers agree to overhaul green marketing practices following consumer watchdog scrutiny.

    🌍 Airlines Commit to Transparency

    The European Commission, working with the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, has secured commitments from 21 European airlines to revise their environmental marketing practices. The move follows investigations that found many claims could mislead passengers about the climate impact of flying, particularly through vague or exaggerated references to “carbon neutrality” or “sustainable travel.”

    ⚖️ Regulatory Pressure

    The agreement comes after months of dialogue between EU authorities and national consumer agencies in Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain. Regulators warned that airlines must provide clear, verifiable information when promoting environmental initiatives, ensuring passengers are not misled about the actual emissions linked to air travel.

    ✈️ What Changes Are Expected

    Under the pledges, airlines will:

    • Remove or clarify ambiguous green claims from websites and advertising.
    • Provide transparent explanations of carbon offset programmes.
    • Avoid suggesting that passengers can fly “climate neutral” through offsets alone.
    • Ensure sustainability initiatives are backed by credible evidence.

    📈 Wider Implications

    The EU’s action reflects growing scrutiny of greenwashing in the aviation sector, one of the fastest‑growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Consumer authorities say the pledges mark a step toward greater accountability, though campaigners argue stronger enforcement and binding rules will be needed to ensure compliance.

    In summary: With 21 airlines agreeing to overhaul their environmental marketing, the EU has taken a significant step in curbing misleading climate claims in aviation. The move aims to protect consumers, strengthen transparency, and ensure that sustainability efforts in air travel are communicated with accuracy and integrity.

    European-Commission-building-by-Nuno-Nogueira

    Source:
    European Commission’s press release: European Commission – Twenty-one European airlines agree to modify their practices regarding environmental claims Die Europäische Kommission.

  • EU rallies a global call for gender equality and inclusive climate action at COP30

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    Building on the EU’s leadership at COP29, the statement recognises that women and girls often face the greatest climate risks, while also being powerful agents of change driving innovative and resilient climate solutions.

    Towards a stronger Gender Action Plan

    The statement calls for the adoption at COP30 of an ambitious and action-oriented Gender Action Plan (GAP) under the UNFCCC. The new plan should build on progress made, close remaining gaps, and ensure that all women and girls – including those from Indigenous Peoples, and local communities – can fully participate in and benefit from climate action.

    Key priorities

    Signatories commit to:

    • Mainstream gender equality across climate policies, plans and funding mechanisms.
    • Promote inclusive and meaningful participation of women in decision-making and negotiations.
    • Enhance gender-responsive finance, including for community- and women-led initiatives.
    • Improve data and knowledge, through gender-disaggregated data, education and capacity-building.
    • Address intersectional factors such as age, disability and income level to make climate action more equitable.

    The statement was endorsed by a diverse coalition of countries and regional groups from all regions, including AILAC, AOSIS, the EU and the EIG, representing around 90 countries worldwide.

    EU commitment

    The EU continues to integrate gender equality across its climate policies and international partnerships, supporting education, participation and leadership for women and youth through initiatives under the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) agenda and Global Gateway.

    Director for International Climate Strategy, Governance and Finance at the European Commission, Diana Acconcia said:

    “Gender equality is not a side issue. It lies at the heart of effective climate action. Empowering women and girls means unlocking innovation, resilience and ambition in every part of the world. At COP30, we must strive for a new Gender Action Plan that delivers real change.”

    The EU will continue to champion an inclusive, gender-transformative approach to climate action, ensuring that the transition to a clean, fair and resilient future leaves no one behind.

    The statement has been signed by the Alliance of Independent Latin American and Caribbean States (AILAC), Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Australia, Canada, Chad, European Union (EU), Environmental Integrity Group (EIG), Guinea, Iceland, Japan, Moldova, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of San Marino, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.

    More Information
    Global Statement on Gender Equality and Climate Action

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  • Picker Pals Expands to 966 Classrooms Nationwide with €380,000 Funding Boost

    Picker Pals Expands to 966 Classrooms Nationwide with €380,000 Funding Boost

    Ministers O’Brien and Dillon announce expansion of Ireland’s flagship litter‑picking education programme, empowering over 24,000 children and their families.

    🌍 National Rollout of Picker Pals

    Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State Alan Dillon TD have confirmed nearly €380,000 in funding for the Picker Pals Programme, extending its reach to 966 classrooms across Ireland this year. Delivered by VOICE Ireland, the initiative equips primary school children with litter‑picking kits and classroom resources, encouraging them to lead family clean‑ups and share their experiences with peers.

    🏫 Inspiring Environmental Action in Schools

    The programme has become a cornerstone of environmental education, instilling responsibility and pride of place among young students. At Meelickmore National School in Mayo, teachers highlighted how children eagerly take home their Picker Packs, organise family litter picks, and report back to classmates. Similar enthusiasm has been echoed nationwide, with schools noting the sense of achievement and community impact generated by the initiative.

    ♻️ Building a Culture of Sustainability

    Since its launch, Picker Pals has collected more than 900 tonnes of waste across Ireland. This year’s expansion aims to inspire 24,000 children and 36,000 family members, embedding habits of waste reduction and environmental care. The programme also integrates:

    • Monthly themed lessons on biodiversity, circular economy, and active travel
    • Interactive online sessions and quizzes
    • Engaging video content via Picker Pals TV

    To promote sustainability, schools receive either a Full Programme Pack or a Booster Box, enabling reuse of existing equipment while refreshing educational materials.

    🗣️ Voices of Support

    Minister O’Brien praised the initiative as “a fantastic example of inspiring environmental responsibility from an early age,” while Minister Dillon emphasised its success in empowering families to take action in their communities. Gary Jones, Programme Manager at VOICE Ireland, described the scheme as giving children the chance to become “The Boss” on family litter picks, shaping positive attitudes toward the environment.

    In summary: With fresh government backing, Picker Pals is set to reach nearly 1,000 classrooms nationwide, embedding environmental values in Ireland’s next generation and strengthening community resilience against litter and waste.

    Minister-for-Transport-Darragh-OBrien-Picture-by-AirNav-Ireland.

  • Minister Heydon Confirms €147 Million in Advance Payments to ACRES Farmers

    Minister Heydon Confirms €147 Million in Advance Payments to ACRES Farmers

    Nearly 34,000 participants benefit as Ireland’s flagship agri‑environment scheme strengthens its climate and biodiversity goals.

    💶 Payments Begin for Tranche 1 Farmers

    Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD has announced that advance payments under the Agri‑Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) have commenced. A total of €146.94 million is being issued this week to 33,794 farmers who joined the scheme in 2023.

    An additional €32.69 million will be paid next week to around 8,000 farmers who entered ACRES in 2024. Together, these payments will reach 42,000 participants, representing 78% of all farmers enrolled in the scheme.

    🌱 Supporting Climate and Biodiversity Goals

    Since its launch in 2023, ACRES has delivered approximately €697 million in payments to Irish farmers. The scheme is central to Ireland’s efforts to:

    • Improve biodiversity and protect habitats
    • Enhance water quality
    • Reduce carbon emissions from agriculture
    • Support farm families in transitioning to more sustainable practices

    Minister Heydon acknowledged the challenges of implementing such an ambitious programme but praised the commitment of farmers, advisors, and cooperation project teams in driving progress.

    📌 Call for Timely Returns

    The Minister urged participants to submit outstanding documentation to ensure payments continue smoothly. Farmers undertaking the Conservation of Rare Breeds action must file returns by 15 November 2025, while ACRES LESS declarations should also be submitted promptly.

    🔑 Why It Matters

    The latest round of payments underscores the government’s pledge to back farm families while advancing Ireland’s climate and environmental objectives. By improving the timeliness of payments and expanding participation, ACRES is positioning itself as a cornerstone of Ireland’s sustainable agriculture strategy.

    In summary: Nearly €147 million in advance payments has been released to 33,794 ACRES farmers, with thousands more to follow next week. The scheme continues to play a vital role in balancing agricultural livelihoods with Ireland’s environmental ambitions.

    Would you like me to also add a sidebar comparing ACRES to similar EU agri‑environment schemes, to show how Ireland’s approach fits within broader European sustainability efforts?