ESG

In recent decades, the problem of plastic pollution has become one of the most discussed topics in the environmental sphere. Every year more and more plastic waste ends up in nature, and among them microplastics - particles smaller than 5 mm, which can be both primary (e.g. pellets used in production) and secondary (formed as a result of destruction of large plastic products) - occupy a special place.

Experts estimate that millions of tonnes of plastic waste end up in oceans, rivers and soils, and that microplastics are spread across the planet, including the most remote corners such as polar regions and deep-sea ecosystems. This raises serious concerns as microplastics become an integral part of the environment where they can have a negative impact on flora and fauna.

Microplastics is not only an environmental problem but also a social problem. It threatens food security, affects human health through food chains and can cause economic losses in the fishing and tourism industries. Studies show that microplastics can accumulate in marine creatures and its potential impact on human health still requires further research.

In addition, how to stop the spread of microplastics and minimise their environmental impact is becoming an increasingly urgent issue. Many organisations, scientists and environmental activists are working to find solutions to reduce plastic production, improve disposal systems and introduce alternative materials.

Uzbekistan's energy system is undergoing an active transformation. The country is experiencing a significant increase in electricity demand due to population growth, industrial development, and accelerated urbanization. At the same time, Uzbekistan aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and increase the share of renewable energy sources (RES) in its energy balance to 25% by 2030.

 To achieve these goals, the implementation of modern technologies, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), is essential. These systems play a key role in integrating solar and wind energy, improving grid stability, optimizing energy consumption, and minimizing risks associated with the intermittency of RES.

Biodiversity is the entire variety of life on Earth, manifested at three levels: Genetic level — differences within a single species that ensure its resilience and ability to adapt to environmental changes; Species level — the diversity of plant, animal, and microorganism species themselves; Ecosystem level — the diversity of natural communities and landscapes that form a stable natural environment.

The state of biodiversity directly depends on environmental quality and at the same time influences it. Rich ecosystems ensure soil fertility, water and air purity, regulate climate, and form the foundation for agriculture and human well-being. The loss of species or destruction of habitats triggers the opposite process: ecosystems become less resilient, and their vulnerability to climate change, droughts, and anthropogenic pressure increases.

In recent decades, renewable energy sources (RES) — such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass — have moved beyond being viewed as exotic or niche technologies. They are steadily becoming a key component of the global energy sector, with a noticeable impact on the economies of many countries.

Why is this especially important today? Many nations are setting targets to reduce carbon emissions, transition to clean energy, and strengthen energy security and independence. At the same time, renewables have the potential not only to support sustainable development but also to make a direct economic contribution — through investment, job creation, innovation, and more.

In today’s world, the issue of waste is becoming increasingly urgent — both environmentally and socio-economically. According to the World Bank, by 2050 the annual volume of municipal solid waste could reach 3.4 billion tons, while even now about one-third of waste in many countries is managed inefficiently (incineration, open dumping, illegal landfills). The consequences of improper waste handling — soil and water pollution, methane emissions, and risks to human health — are becoming a serious barrier to sustainable development in many regions.