September-October. 2025 | @ green
FOREIGN NEWS @ ESG
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Taiwan’ s‘ magic plants’
� Taiwanese scientists have developed plants that absorb 50 per cent more CO₂ and yield twice as many seeds.
� The modified thale cress incorporates a synthetic carbonfixation system, enhancing photosynthesis efficiency.
� Kerala became the first Indian state to approve a comprehensive ESG investment policy.
IN a groundbreaking step toward tackling climate change, researchers from Taiwan’ s Academia Sinica have successfully developed genetically modified plants capable of capturing about 50 per cent more carbon dioxide( CO₂) and producing up to three times more biomass and seeds than conventional varieties.
Developed by a research team at Academia Sinica, the modified thale cress plants incorporate a synthetic carbon-fixation system designed to improve photosynthesis efficiency. Lead researcher Lu Kuan-jen said the advancement could help cut emissions while boosting food production.“ If applied to major food crops, the new system could cut carbon emissions and raise yields without additional equipment or labour costs,” she explained.
The project was initiated two decades ago under the leadership of Academia Sinica President James Liao, who has long focused on enhancing photosynthesis as a
means to combat global warming.
“ We aim to artificially design a new carbon-fixation system to enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis-based CO₂ capture,” Liao said, emphasising that improving plants’ natural ability to absorb carbon could have far-reaching global benefits.
The modified plants, described by Lu as“ magic plants,” operate with two carbon-fixation systems instead of one, making them the first of their kind.“ They doubled or tripled their biomass and increased the number of seeds and oil production,” she added.
Beyond climate mitigation, the system could strengthen global food security by improving yields in key crops such as rice, wheat, and corn. Lu noted that:“ Even a 10 per cent increase in carbon fixation across crops could already exceed the amount of carbon emitted by human activity.”
Academia Sinica’ s Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center Director Yeh Kuo-chen said the next phase will involve trials on
NATURE REENGINEERED: A genetically modified thale cress plant( right) beside a natural version— part of Academia Sinica’ s breakthrough in carbon capture research.
major crops, including rice and tomatoes.
However, Liao cautioned that practical use remains years away.
“ We are not looking at next year— or even the next decade,” he said, highlighting the need for genetic stability and compliance with global GMO standards before mass adoption.
ESG takes root in Kerala
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KERALA has become the first Indian state to adopt a comprehensive environmental, social and governance( ESG) investment policypositioning itself as a frontrunner in sustainable economic development. The policy, approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, integrates ESG principles into the state’ s investment framework and industrial strategy, aiming to attract industries that are both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.
According to the Chief Minister’ s Office, the policy was formulated after analysing which sectors best align with Kerala’ s ecological and social priorities. Industries with low emissions and minimal pollution were identified as most compatible with the state’ s sustainability goals.“ The objective is to make Kerala the leading state in the country for ESG-compliant
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investments,” the government said in an official statement.
The initiative establishes a governance framework to evaluate and attract ESG-aligned investments, offering a structured approach to economic development. Under this framework, projects in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green manufacturing and digital services are likely to gain priority approvals and incentives, while high-pollution sectors may face stricter scrutiny. This move aligns with international trends, such as the European Union’ s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive( CSRD) and emerging ESG disclosure standards in Asia.
Analysts suggest that Kerala’ s move will provide investors with much-needed certainty and transparency in a regulatory landscape often marked by inconsistency. With global asset managers increasingly demanding sustainabil-
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Pinarayi Vijayan
ity integration, Kerala’ s proactive policy could help draw green capital and ethical funds to the state.
However, experts have also noted that implementation will be key to success, as translating ESG principles into measurable action across an entire state economy is an extensive undertaking.
The decision also positions Kerala as a trailblazer among Indian states, complementing India’ s national climate ambitions under
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the Paris Agreement. It highlights how subnational governments can drive climate-aligned development, similar to efforts observed in regions such as California and parts of Europe.
By embedding ESG at the core of its industrial policy, Kerala’ s initiative marks a new chapter in responsible growth— where sustainable governance is no longer a fringe idea, but the foundation of future economic strategy.- @ green
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