Fracked fashion map shows ties between 100+ brands to Texas oil and gas fracking

Stand.earth Research Group has released a new tool, which connects the fashion industry supply chain from Texas to multiple countries, to conversion of ethane to polyester, production of the garment, and, finally, to 107 fashion companies.

Sourced from customs data, export/import data, company filings, supplier disclosure documents, and investor presentations, our Fracked Fashion Map allows users to explore the supply chain while sorting by linked brands and companies, specific brands, or specific parent companies.

The research underpinning the new tool shows that more than 100 petrochemical-linked fashion giants source many of their fabrics from fracked oil and gas in the Permian Basin in Texas. Petrochemicals are anticipated to become the largest driver of global oil and gas consumption, according to the International Energy Agency.

Stop LNG expansion project and save critical marine life habitat

Canadian utility FortisBC is pushing to expand its Tilbury LNG plant along a fragile part of the Fraser River, in Delta, British Columbia. If we don’t intervene, this project could have devastating impacts on nearby communities, critical habitat for marine life, and our climate. It would also slow down the transition towards truly safe and sustainable alternatives.

Thankfully, the Tilbury LNG expansion plan is far from a done deal. The Environmental Assessment process for Tilbury LNG Phase 2 is currently underway and is accepting public comments until March 3, which means we still have time to put the brakes on this project.

Once B.C. completes the impact assessment for the project, it will then be sent to the Minister of Environment and Parks to make a final decision. Until then, it’s up to us to prove that this project does not have public support.

ICYMI: The growing climate footprint of Microsoft’s AI business

In recent years, tech giants have been racing to dominate artificial intelligence (AI). However, the environmental and social costs of this rapid AI boom are becoming increasingly clear. AI requires immense computing power, leading to higher energy use and heavy reliance on resource-intensive supply chains.

Our IT campaign is highlighting the climate impacts of tech giant Microsoft’s growing AI investments, from energy-heavy chip manufacturing to running massive data centers and applying AI in high-pollution industries. A new page on our website features a checklist outlining the energy transition pathway and a series of blogs discussing the climate footprint of Microsoft’s AI business.

Second annual report analyzes major public pensions’ responses to the climate crisis in proxy voting

The second-annual report “The Hidden Risk in State Pensions: Analyzing U.S. Public Pensions’ Responses to the Climate Crisis in Proxy Voting” published earlier this month by Stand.earth and Sierra Club analyzes proxy voting guidelines, 2024 proxy voting records, and voting transparency of 32 public pension funds collectively representing over $3.8 trillion in assets under management.

This year’s report looks at the proxy voting records and guidelines of the largest and most influential public pension funds in the U.S. This broadened scope includes county and city pension funds, as well as pension funds located in states restricting Environmental, Social, and Governance investing through “anti-ESG” legislation and executive actions.