The Bucharest University of Economic Studies and SLB, a global technology company, are collaborating to modernize academic spaces and introduce interactive learning experiences. This initiative is designed to enrich student learning and strengthen connections between academia and industry.
Read more here: https://energyindustryreview.com/events/bucharest-university-of-economic-studies-and-slb-collaboration/
At COP30, Bureau Veritas launched its Manufacturer Decarbonization Strategy Playbook.
This practical resource, developed with key contributions from Cascale, supports manufacturers, including SMEs, in setting and advancing decarbonization targets. The Paris Committee on Capacity-Building (PCCB) recently included the playbook in a small-to-medium enterprise discussion at COP30, where Cascale also participated in an associated Bureau Veritas member webinar.
At the “Decarbonization Playbook for Manufacturers” webinar, speakers included Cascale’s senior director of decarbonization Joyce Tsoi; Apparel Impact Institute’s senior director of sustainable finance and engagement Kristina Elinder Lijas; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s head of project (GIZ) Gundolf Klaehn; Gokaldas Exports Limited’s deputy general manager Mahantesh Bangari; and Bureau Veritas’ senior program specialist Hailey Wang, as well as head of decarbonization and cleaner production, Rakesh Vazirani.
The webinar laid the foundation for the decarbonization business case, with an inclusive focus on manufacturer perspectives and cultural nuance. It convened more than 500 participants, with over 40 percent reporting that they are either just beginning their decarbonization journey or are in the early stages of data collection and target-setting.
Participants highlighted the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) as a common industry tool for measuring carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and noted key barriers to decarbonization including high costs, limited in-house expertise and resources, and the challenge of securing customer support to cover decarbonization investments.
Tsoi offered insights into how Cascale’s Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) accelerates climate action. Welcoming Cascale members and non-members alike, the 18-month MCAP program helps manufacturers across the consumer goods industry develop and validate Science-Aligned Targets (SATs) to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. To date, MCAP has engaged 70 manufacturers with a collective CO2 reduction potential of over 419,000 tCO2e from 16 validated participants.
At a high-level, Tsoi explored the steps manufacturers and suppliers can take today to make progress on decarbonization goals, starting with measurement and baseline setting. She encouraged attendees to understand their current energy usage, fuel types, and carbon footprints in their owned operations and supply chain.
Next, she explored the target-setting approach in greater detail. Her advice: Use standardized, science-based frameworks like those developed for MCAP or by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) For successful implementation, Tsoi recommended manufacturers prioritize and plan impactful, cost-effective actions, and delegate out further responsibilities.
Bangari, representing Gokaldas, a Cascale manufacturer member based in India India, described how participating in MCAP helped the company set science-aligned targets for their Scope 1 and 2 emissions. He described Gokaldas’ sustainability achievements, which include procuring 75 percent renewable energy, improving machinery efficiency, and increasing waste and water recycling rates, among others. Showcased among the certifications in the company’s recent investor report, Gokaldas’ average Higg FEM score was 89 percent.
Verizon
By: Molly McGinn
Your child’s latest birthday photo, that cute dance video. Share them on social media and they add to your family’s digital footprint. And depending on the settings you’ve chosen, AI could use them.
Dr. Siwei Lyu, a digital forensics expert and father of two, is a Distinguished professor of computer science at SUNY who studies how AI learns from public data. The danger of sharing anything online is that it becomes fair game for AI deepfakes: fake photos, videos or voices built from real images or recordings. Deepfakes can impersonate anyone, including kids and teens.
“A child’s data might be misused to recreate an image or video of them in situations that aren’t real,” Lyu explains. “That content can stay online and affect your child for years.”
Quitting social media isn’t necessarily the answer. Instead, Lyu tells his kids to share thoughtfully: post less, choose private settings and pause to consider what you’re sharing before uploading anything personal. Here, Lyu explains how your digital footprint can be manipulated into AI deepfakes.
How it happens: From real photos to AI deepfakes
What you can do right now to protect your digital footprint
Build your family’s digital confidence about AI deepfakes
Lyu recommends a few practical safety habits the whole family can practice together:
Learn more about your family’s digital footprint
Ready to keep the conversation going? Watch Discovery Education’s video on digital footprints with your kids. Ask them to think about what your family’s online story says about you—and how to make sure it stays positive, protected and totally yours.
About the author: Molly is an award-winning tech and child development writer for Parenting in the Digital World.
The author has been compensated by Verizon for this article.
New Video Shares How Thoughtful Design Elevates Passenger Experience
IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mazda North American Operations today released a new video featuring Jannice Jacobson, Senior Manager of Strategic Planning, highlighting the improved interior space and layout of the all-new 2026 CX-5. The video shares how the 2026 CX-5’s expanded interior space, refined proportions, and enhanced craftsmanship provides a more practical, comfortable, and enjoyable driving experience for all occupants.
The 2026 CX-5 is more than four inches longer than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase and greater overall width, translating into increased legroom, headroom, and cargo space. The rear doors feature a much wider aperture for easier entry and exit, and the rear liftgate opening is larger, which along with a lower load floor, allow for effortless loading. These improvements make the vehicle more accommodating for passengers of all sizes, families with car seats, and travelers carrying luggage.
“Whether it’s adults over six feet tall who can more easily stretch out with ease or school-age kids who can easily stow their backpacks without feeling cramped, we designed the all-new CX-5 to elevate comfort and vehicle versatility for every passenger,” said Jacobson.
Craftsmanship also plays a key role in enhancing the cabin experience. The new two-tone interior brightens the space while balancing style with practicality through durable, stain-resistant materials. Improved insulation further reduces wind and road noise, creating a calm, relaxing environment for everyone inside.
With its expanded proportions, thoughtful design, and attention to detail, the 2026 CX-5 combines comfort, versatility, and style, delivering a vehicle experience designed with customers in mind.
Click to learn more about the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 or visit MazdaUSA.com.
About Mazda North American Operations
Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.
Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Threads.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mazda-2026-cx-5-enhanced-comfort-and-versatility-302643860.html
SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Makers Nutrition is proud to announce its $2,500 donation to the Richie Rich Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to granting wishes and providing joy-filled experiences for children with special needs and illnesses. As the holiday season approaches, Makers Nutrition is committed to supporting organizations that help ensure every child has the chance to feel the magic, comfort, and happiness this time of year should bring.
The Richie Rich Wish Foundation works year-round to deliver hope to children and families experiencing financial, medical, or emotional challenges. Through toy and monetary donations from those willing to give, the foundation brings light to children who need it most, especially during the holiday season, when the need for compassion is often at its greatest.
“Makers Nutrition has always believed in giving back to our community, and the holidays are one of the most important times to do so,” said Jason Provenzano, Founder and CEO of Makers Nutrition. “Children deserve to feel joy, excitement, and love during this season. Our team is honored to support the Richie Rich Wish Foundation in providing the means for children to be happy, to dream, and to experience moments that lift their spirits. If our contribution helps even one child smile this holiday, then it has made a meaningful difference.”
This donation reflects Makers Nutrition’s ongoing efforts to support families and children both locally and beyond. Over the years, the company has contributed to food drives, youth mentorship programs, health-related causes, and community-based charitable organizations. The partnership with the Richie Rich Wish Foundation aligns closely with Makers Nutrition’s mission to improve the wellbeing of others—not just through the nutritional supplements it manufactures, but through active community involvement as well.
With rising costs and continued challenges for families across the country, charitable organizations have seen an increased demand for assistance during the holiday season. The Richie Rich Wish Foundation is committed to ensuring that no child feels left behind. Makers Nutrition is proud to support that work and encourages other companies and individuals to consider contributing to nonprofit organizations that bring joy and comfort to children during this season of giving.
As Makers Nutrition celebrates another year of growth and achievement, the company remains dedicated to using its platform to do good. This $2,500 donation is part of its broader effort to spread kindness, share abundance, and make a difference in the lives of children who deserve a holiday filled with happiness.
About Makers Nutrition
Makers Nutrition is a leading provider of custom manufacturing, packaging, and fulfillment services for dietary supplements. The company is committed not only to delivering exceptional products to clients worldwide, but also to supporting local communities through charitable initiatives and volunteerism.
“As the holiday season approaches, we are excited to announce the launch of our Fifth Annual Toy Drive for children with special needs and illnesses,” said the founder of Richie Rich Wish Foundation. “What began as a simple initiative of donating toys to local hospitals has blossomed into a vibrant event that welcomed over 300 children last year. Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we are thrilled to project that we will be able to serve 600 children this year! We invite you to join us in making this holiday season special for these wonderful kids. Below are several ways you can contribute:
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/makers-nutrition-helps-grant-holiday-wishes-for-children-with-special-needs-through-donation-302643698.html
SOURCE Makers Nutrition, LLC
AEG employees across Southern California and New York dedicate their time and energy to the company’s annual Day of Service, volunteering at various events to make a meaningful impact in local communities. The Day of Service highlights the power of coming together to make a difference, showing how employees across the country can strengthen communities and inspire hope through shared purpose.
In Los Angeles, 250 AEG employees from all business units—including L.A. LIVE, Global Partnerships, AXS, L.A. Galaxy, L.A. Kings, and Crypto.com Arena—participated in a hands-on “Wall Build” with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. On campus at L.A. LIVE, volunteers constructed wall frames, painted and built components for future homes in Altadena. Vista Paint donated paint and supplied all essential painting materials for the Service Day projects while Frito-Lay and Coca-Cola provided snacks and beverages that kept volunteers fueled throughout the event.
“Our Service Day with SGV Habitat for Humanity reflects our ongoing commitment to fire relief. Nearly a year later, there is still so much to rebuild, and we were eager to roll up our sleeves and workto help rebuild homes and hopefully renew hope.” said Anette Padilla, Sr. Director of Community Foundation and Social Impact, AEG.
In addition to the $2 million the AEG family has already contributed to Los Angeles fire relief, AEG proudly presented San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity with a $150,000 check to support ongoing rebuilding efforts in communities affected by the Altadena fires.
On December 16th, employees from AEG and Bowery Presents will partner with City Year New York to bring holiday cheer to The Emma Lazarus Elementary School in Brooklyn for the third year in a row. Volunteers will transform the campus into a festive winter wonderland by putting up holiday decorations throughout the campus and making holiday crafts with students. They will also spend time in classrooms, reading with students in small groups to create a joyful and engaging experience.
AEG’s annual Day of Service is part of the company’s Season of Giving initiative, which encourages employees across the United States to give back and spread cheer during the holiday season. Volunteers participate in activities both in person and virtually, supporting local communities through acts of service, generosity, and engagement.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new standard from carbon certifier Verra incorporates principles from the Grassroots Justice Network and frontline communities around the globe. The updated rules increase transparency, strengthen communities’ right to free, prior, informed consent, and require revenue sharing with communities.
Drawing on experience responding to carbon projects in more than 20 countries, members of the Grassroots Justice Network identified six principles necessary to make carbon projects fair. As Elijah Lempaira of Impact Kenya notes, “Without access to information, fair benefit sharing and genuine participation from local communities, justice is lost.”
Verra’s updated standard reflects input from Namati and the Grassroots Justice Network, an alliance of justice groups from 180 countries. The new rules address common challenges in carbon projects and give communities greater power. Specifically:
“Today’s changes are a step towards carbon justice,” said Namati CEO Vivek Maru.
Many communities want to pursue carbon projects if the terms are fair. For example, in October 2025, with legal support from Namati, more than 220 communities in Sittia Chiefdom, Sierra Leone signed a carbon agreement guided by the same carbon justice principles that shaped recommendations to Verra. That new agreement protects 79,000 hectares of mangrove forests (four times the size of Washington, D.C.). Communities will take the lead in stewarding the mangroves, and will receive at least 40% of gross revenue.
We call for new commitments in the Verra standard to be reflected in other standards like ART-TREES and The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles.
Going forward, we would like to see further improvements in carbon standards, including a minimum proportion of gross revenue for local communities and a requirement that buyers of carbon credits responsibly curb their own emissions.
Namati advances social and environmental justice by building a movement of people who know, use, and shape the law. Namati also convenes the Grassroots Justice Network, the world’s largest network of grassroots justice practitioners. Learn more at namati.org and grassrootsjusticenetwork.org.
Contact: Amanda Padilla, Acting Director, Strategic Engagement, Namati amandapadilla@namati.org
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/namati-new-carbon-market-rules-recognize-community-rights-302643829.html
SOURCE Namati
Direct Relief today announced that Craig Redmond has joined Direct Relief’s executive leadership team as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the humanitarian medical aid group’s humanitarian programs, emergency response operations, and related functions.
Redmond brings to Direct Relief decades of humanitarian relief and development experience, primarily focused on developing programs and teams that help build resilience, relieve suffering, and transform lives. He served as Chief Executive of Relief International between 2022 and 2025, where he led a global team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers working in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing humanitarian aid to communities affected by conflict and disaster.
Prior to Relief International, Redmond worked for 22 years at Mercy Corps in roles including Program Director for Azerbaijan, Country Director for Eritrea and Indonesia, Regional Director for Southeast Asia, and finally for 12 years as Senior Vice President of Programs, where he managed and oversaw all Mercy Corps programs globally. Craig was a pivotal leader in growing the organization and leading teams to breakthrough innovations in technology, financial inclusion, food security, and venture development. He has also worked with UNHCR, UNDP, and with the Peace Corps in a hospital in Kyrgyzstan.
Amy Weaver, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Relief, said, “Craig Redmond has led large-scale humanitarian operations for decades and brings the kind of grounded, field-informed perspective that aligns so well with Direct Relief’s mission. With Craig joining the Direct Relief team, I’m incredibly energized for the years ahead.”
With Redmond joining Direct Relief, Byron Scott, MD, MBA, moves from his role as President and Chief Operating Officer to the new position of Chief Health Officer (effective January 1, 2026), where he will advise across all health and medical issues and oversee Direct Relief’s grantmaking activities, Power for Health, and the Fund for Health Equity. Dr. Scott served as Direct Relief’s interim CEO between January and May 2025.
“All of us at Direct Relief are grateful to Dr. Scott for his years of steadfast leadership on our board of directors, and as our COO and interim CEO, and for the deep insight, guidance, and unfailing moral compass he will continue to bring to the organization in his new role as Chief Health Officer,” Weaver said.
Redmond’s appointment marks the second major leadership addition by Amy Weaver since she assumed the role of CEO in May. Jennifer Lotito, former President and Chief Operating Officer at (RED), joined Direct Relief in October as Chief External Affairs Officer, overseeing global communications, fundraising, partnerships, brand, and creative.
Redmond said, “It is hard to imagine a more pressing moment in history than now for the critical work that Direct Relief and our partners do every day across the U.S. and around the world. I am humbled by this incredible opportunity, and look forward to getting to know our operations, the team, and our partners as we work together to deliver essential support to millions.”
Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, Direct Relief provides large-scale medical assistance to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty, disaster, and conflict. Recognized by Forbes as #5 on its list of America’s Top 100 Charities, honored with the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize, and recipient of 15 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator, Direct Relief is known for its logistics-driven humanitarian operations and longstanding commitment to transparency and operational excellence.
ST. PAUL, Minn., December 16, 2025 /3BL/ – The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) is pleased to announce the appointment of Celine Morris as its new Associate Director, effective January 2026. In this expanded leadership role, Celine will help guide BIER’s strategic direction, strengthen cross-member collaboration, and advance the organization’s mission to drive environmental sustainability across the global beverage sector. Her promotion reflects both her demonstrated leadership and BIER’s continued commitment to operational excellence and industry-leading impact.
Celine has served as BIER’s Program Manager for the past year while also working as a Senior Manager at Antea Group and an Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Credentialed Specialist. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in supporting BIER’s 2025 workstreams, member engagement, and technical initiatives. Her work has contributed directly to enhanced coordination across member companies and the delivery of high-quality, data-driven outputs.
Throughout 2025, Celine supported the execution of BIER’s Spring and Fall Roundtable Meetings, where members engaged in forward-thinking discussions and collaborative problem-solving across critical environmental topics, including nature-positive strategies, advanced methods for measuring water replenishment co-benefits, exploration of breakthroughs in renewable thermal energy solutions, and best practices for designing and implementing Collective Action water projects. Additionally, Celine strengthened member readiness through BIER’s Regulatory Round-Up and Ad-Hoc Sessions, which she helped coordinate and facilitate. Her work ensured that members remained aligned, informed, and equipped to respond to emerging sustainability challenges.
As Associate Director, Celine will continue to serve as a key liaison between BIER’s global membership, technical workstreams, and partner organizations. She will support Executive Director Erica Pann in providing strategic leadership across BIER’s technical focus areas, including advancing water stewardship, driving climate action, strengthening sustainability reporting, promoting circular systems, and supporting nature and biodiversity efforts across the sector. In this role, she will also help ensure operational excellence, effective governance, and strong member collaboration, while contributing to BIER’s long-term strategic roadmap and alignment between member priorities and technical workstream execution.
“Celine has been instrumental in driving BIER’s work forward and strengthening our engagement model,” said Pann. “Her technical expertise, program leadership, and commitment to collaboration make her an outstanding fit for this role.” Pann added, “We are confident that Celine’s leadership will continue to elevate BIER’s impact across the beverage sector.”
BIER congratulates Celine on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to her continued leadership in advancing industry-wide sustainability progress.
For more information, please contact: Erica Pann, BIER Executive Director Erica.Pann@anteagroup.us
About BIER
BIER is a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector. Formed in 2006, BIER is a common voice across the beverage sector, speaking to influence global standards on environmental sustainability aspects most relevant to the sector, affect change both up and down the supply chain, and share best practices that raise the bar for environmental performance of the industry. By doing so, BIER is able to monitor data and trends, engage with key stakeholders, develop best practices, and guide a course of action for the future. BIER members include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Asahi Group Holdings, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg Group, The Coca-Cola Company, Constellation Brands, Diageo, Heaven Hill Brands, Heineken, Keurig Dr Pepper, LION, Molson Coors, Monster Energy, Ocean Spray Cranberries, PepsiCo, Pernod Ricard and Suntory Global Spirits. For more information, visit www.bieroundtable.com.
ST. PAUL, Minn., December 16, 2025 /3BL/ – The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) is pleased to announce the appointment of Celine Morris as its new Associate Director, effective January 2026. In this expanded leadership role, Celine will help guide BIER’s strategic direction, strengthen cross-member collaboration, and advance the organization’s mission to drive environmental sustainability across the global beverage sector. Her promotion reflects both her demonstrated leadership and BIER’s continued commitment to operational excellence and industry-leading impact.
Celine has served as BIER’s Program Manager for the past year while also working as a Senior Manager at Antea Group and an Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Credentialed Specialist. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in supporting BIER’s 2025 workstreams, member engagement, and technical initiatives. Her work has contributed directly to enhanced coordination across member companies and the delivery of high-quality, data-driven outputs.
Throughout 2025, Celine supported the execution of BIER’s Spring and Fall Roundtable Meetings, where members engaged in forward-thinking discussions and collaborative problem-solving across critical environmental topics, including nature-positive strategies, advanced methods for measuring water replenishment co-benefits, exploration of breakthroughs in renewable thermal energy solutions, and best practices for designing and implementing Collective Action water projects. Additionally, Celine strengthened member readiness through BIER’s Regulatory Round-Up and Ad-Hoc Sessions, which she helped coordinate and facilitate. Her work ensured that members remained aligned, informed, and equipped to respond to emerging sustainability challenges.
As Associate Director, Celine will continue to serve as a key liaison between BIER’s global membership, technical workstreams, and partner organizations. She will support Executive Director Erica Pann in providing strategic leadership across BIER’s technical focus areas, including advancing water stewardship, driving climate action, strengthening sustainability reporting, promoting circular systems, and supporting nature and biodiversity efforts across the sector. In this role, she will also help ensure operational excellence, effective governance, and strong member collaboration, while contributing to BIER’s long-term strategic roadmap and alignment between member priorities and technical workstream execution.
“Celine has been instrumental in driving BIER’s work forward and strengthening our engagement model,” said Pann. “Her technical expertise, program leadership, and commitment to collaboration make her an outstanding fit for this role.” Pann added, “We are confident that Celine’s leadership will continue to elevate BIER’s impact across the beverage sector.”
BIER congratulates Celine on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to her continued leadership in advancing industry-wide sustainability progress.
For more information, please contact: Erica Pann, BIER Executive Director Erica.Pann@anteagroup.us
About BIER
BIER is a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector. Formed in 2006, BIER is a common voice across the beverage sector, speaking to influence global standards on environmental sustainability aspects most relevant to the sector, affect change both up and down the supply chain, and share best practices that raise the bar for environmental performance of the industry. By doing so, BIER is able to monitor data and trends, engage with key stakeholders, develop best practices, and guide a course of action for the future. BIER members include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Asahi Group Holdings, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg Group, The Coca-Cola Company, Constellation Brands, Diageo, Heaven Hill Brands, Heineken, Keurig Dr Pepper, LION, Molson Coors, Monster Energy, Ocean Spray Cranberries, PepsiCo, Pernod Ricard and Suntory Global Spirits. For more information, visit www.bieroundtable.com.
