A curated selection of key developments, emerging trends, and market updates from the past quarter that deserve a place on your reading list.

Continued under-performance and widening gaps to its legally binding 2030 EU climate target could cost Ireland €7.5 billion to €26.4 billion in penalties.

Energy risk and resilience take centre stage as global markets and policy shifts impact net zero ambitions in Q1 2026.

The verdict from COP30 is that climate action has moved outside the diplomatic arena, shifting the battlefield to markets, technology deployment, and corporate governance. For professionals in the energy and sustainability space, this dictates a new strategic focus.

The story of climate action over the past 10 years is one of partial success, with hope fuelled by what has been achieved, and a sober recognition of all that still needs to be delivered. In this quarterly deep dive, we take a closer look at what’s happening on the ground right now.

Stabilising climate change requires robust plans, not just rhetoric. Countries need strong leadership and decisive action. 2030 is now just four-and-a-half years away, and if governments fail to meet national net zero targets, they could face significant financial penalties or other indirect costs.

A deep dive into the next generation of climate pledges to the Paris Agreement, with a focus on each country's self-perception of fairness and ambition in light of its national circumstances and emission reduction potential.