From coal to cars to coffee, consumption levels are breaking records, and the acceleration of resource depletion, pollution and climate change may come with underappreciated social and environmental costs, according to the Worldwatch Institute.

Many of the world's biggest food, beverage and tobacco brands are missing their biggest opportunity to mitigate climate risks, according to analysis by global non-profit CDP, formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project.

A study released by the Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI) has revealed serious issues with the environmental integrity of carbon credit issued under Joint Implementation (JI). According to the review, about three-quarters of the carbon credits issued under JI may have actually increased emissions by about 600 million metric tons.

DuPont leads the chemical industry in preparing for a low-carbon economy, according to CDP's latest quarterly sector research report.

New York-based Natural Resources Defense Council has released a report on air pollution in China citing shipping as a major contributor and recommending the introduction of emission control areas.

Nik Delmeire, the newly appointed secretary general of the European Shippers' Council (ESC), has said it is time for businesses to measure, monitor and reduce emissions by freight transport. At the same time, the new European Commission should reduce existing trade barriers in the European Union. "Together these innovations can spur economic growth and create jobs," says Delmeire.

The Carbon Trust, which promotes a sustainable, low-carbon environment, is developing a certification for organisations taking effective action on carbon emissions across their supply chains. The Trust is looking to work with a number of organisations across different sectors in an initial pilot phase running through to early 2015.