Fireside Chat: Transitioning to Zero Emissions: A Conversation on Industry, Finance and Policy

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has called for the global emissions to reach net zero around mid-century to give a reasonable chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C, and no sector can escape the need to dramatically reduce emissions in pathways towards net zero emissions in energy systems. For businesses, this would mean action on almost every aspect, right from the point of manufacture to the end consumer, encompassing sourcing, operations, supply chains and end-of-life management of products.

Supporting this transition, would require, in addition to cleaner and better technologies, aid from policy makers and financiers, to allow for sustainability to make business sense. In this context, key issues which can arise for stakeholders include:

For businesses: harnessing the co-benefits of green electricity in business operations, supply chains and for end users.

For financiers: justifying pecuniary support necessary for this transition.

For politicians and policy makers: providing a policy environment to support and accelerate an energy transition, and mobilizing support from stakeholders and electorates

Question for Ms Lisa Jackson: What are the kinds of actions as a business that would help you achieve zero emissions? Do you anticipate there being additional benefits for operations, supply chains and end consumers?

Question for Manish Chourasia: What are the challenges in financing this transition?

Question for Mr Erik Solheim: These actions need political clearance- how can politicians work to generate popular support among stakeholders and electorates; and provide policy support to accelerate this transition?