1. TotalEnergies partially convicted of climate greenwashing
On October 23, 2025, the Paris Judicial Court partially convicted TotalEnergies for misleading commercial practices following a complaint filed by several NGOs accusing the company of false claims about carbon neutrality.
The ruling highlights the growing legal risks for companies whose communications may mislead the public on climate action.
TotalEnergies must now withdraw certain messages, compensate NGOs, and publish the court decision — a precedent that could soon affect other energy players.
Source: Reporterre – TotalEnergies found guilty of partial greenwashing
2. European Parliament rejects plan to dilute the Green Deal
The European Parliament rejected a compromise deal on the Commission’s “Omnibus” initiative, which aimed to ease sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements.
The vote adds uncertainty for companies awaiting clarity on CSRD, CSDDD, and CBAM rules, pushing potential regulatory updates to the next session on November 13.
Source: ESG Today – EU Parliament Rejects Agreement to Cut Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence Rules
3. BNP Paribas accused of complicity in Sudan war crimes
On October 20, 2025, BNP Paribas shares plunged by 10% in New York after a jury found the bank complicit in human rights abuses in Sudan during the 1990s and 2000s.
The case, originally involving three plaintiffs awarded $20.75 million, could expand to a class action with 23,000 victims.
This landmark verdict revives debates over banks’ accountability in human rights violations and may reshape international legal frameworks.
Source: Novethic – Human rights catch up with finance: BNP Paribas in free fall
4. China’s recycled plastic surge threatens Europe’s industry
China has dramatically increased production of recycled and virgin plastics, surpassing Europe and flooding markets with low-cost exports.
The lack of traceability and customs differentiation has forced European plant closures and project delays.
The EU is now tightening its packaging regulations to protect local recycling industries.
Source: Novethic – China’s recycling boom puts pressure on Europe’s plastic industry
5. Civil society urges stronger ecological action amid political gridlock
French NGOs presented a set of urgent proposals to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu — from repealing the law favoring intensive farming to accelerating the energy transition.
Their mobilization exposes tensions between social, economic, and environmental imperatives, especially amid ongoing budget debates.
Source: Vert le Média – Civil society calls for decisive ecological action in France
6. PFAS pollution: France faces major environmental monitoring gaps
The French Health Agency (ANSES) reports widespread contamination from “forever chemicals” (PFAS) across the country, with serious monitoring deficiencies, especially for air and dust.
The findings raise concerns for public health and corporate compliance, as PFAS restrictions expand to cosmetics, textiles, and drinking water by 2026.
Source: Reporterre – PFAS pollution under-reported, warns ANSES
7. Climate misinformation: private media under scrutiny
A report published on October 22, 2025, by QuotaClimat, Data for Good, and Science Feedback identified 529 cases of climate misinformation from January to August — mostly on private channels such as CNews, Europe 1, and RMC.
NGOs call for journalist training, independent media protection, and stricter regulation to counter a “new wave of climate denial”.
Source: Reporterre – “New climate denial” spreads across private media
8. Rethinking “creative destruction” in the growth debate
The theory of creative destruction, popularized by Schumpeter and recently revisited by Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion, is being challenged.
New analyses suggest that innovation rarely replaces old technologies entirely, questioning whether R&D-led growth truly fosters long-term resilience.
Source: Le Monde – The myth of creative destruction
9. Food origin fraud: weak sanctions undermine trust
A 2024 investigation found that 34% of fruit labeled “Made in France” (especially kiwis and strawberries) was fraudulent.
The scandal underscores weak enforcement and pressure from major retailers, prompting producers to demand EU-wide traceability standards.
Source: Reporterre – Massive fraud in “French origin” fruit labelling
10. Paris metro pollution: brake dust under fire
Airparif studies show that fine particles from brake and wheel friction are a major source of underground air pollution in the Paris metro and RER.
The RATP has introduced a new braking system cutting emissions by 70% on Line A, with €300M in public funding for broader rollout.
Source: Reporterre – Paris RER A reduces fine particles by 70% with new brake system
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