AI accounting – An AI impact calculator aimed at quantifying the energy, water, and emissions footprint of major generative models was launched on Tuesday by ESG.AI. The publicly accessible tool allows users to compare models including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, Perplexity, and Mistral by inputting usage levels and geographic location, with outputs covering electricity consumption, water use, emissions, and operating costs over monthly to annual timeframes. ESG.AI said the calculator is already being used by organisations facing environmental disclosure requirements and is intended to inform procurement, policy, and investment decisions as scrutiny of AI infrastructure grows.

Warming-driven emissions from thawing permafrost, boreal wildfires and tropical wetlands could shorten the timeline to exceed Paris Agreement temperature thresholds by 20-25% by mid-century, even under ambitious emissions-cutting scenarios, according to a study.

BECCUS balancing act - A recently published study has found that bioenergy with carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (BECCUS) could support climate mitigation while creating trade-offs for other UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). Assessing the full BECCUS value chain, the authors concluded the technology affects 53 of the UN’s 169 SDG targets and 15 of the 17 goals overall, with the strongest positive impact linked to climate action through long-term CO2 removal. However, the analysis also identified risks related to land use, water demand, infrastructure costs, and unequal access to technology between developed and developing countries, and suggested policy safeguards would be needed to ensure BECCUS deployment aligns with broader sustainability objectives.

SAF purchase - Trafigura has signed a six-year deal for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offtake from SP Developments Uruguay (Syzygy)'s first commercial facility, the commodities group announced on Tuesday. The agreement covers all of the production volume from the Uruguay flagship plant, which will produce SAF from biogas using renewable electricity, and gives Trafigura the option to purchase additional volumes from Syzygy's future projects. The companies aim to make the first deliveries in 2028. Syzygy's technology has received ISCC pre-certification to produce RFNBO- and advanced bioSAF-compliant fuels, which means it could help to meet rising SAF mandates in the EU, UK, and elsewhere.

While the US move to withdraw from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has reopened unresolved constitutional questions over presidential authority, legal experts say the decision is unlikely to materially weaken domestic climate litigation or existing legal obligations.

The UK government has announced a £43 million funding package to accelerate green aviation technologies, support high-skilled jobs and cut the environmental impact of flying.

Let us know - The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Secretariat between Thailand and Japan are seeking feedback on draft documents for a proposed project, which aims to introduce a 2.6MW rooftop solar power system to a semiconductor factory owned by Sony Device Technology, according to a recent notice. Those intending to submit their comments on the draft project design document(PDD) and sustainable development and safeguards assessment report (SDSAR) are required to do so by Feb. 18.