[The first of many thoughts on what this election means. As the world’s governments (with lots of representatives from business) meet in Azerbaijan for the climate conference, it’s clear that the U.S. gov’t won’t lead at the global level. Will business fill the void?]
There will be much to say and discuss over the coming days and months, and many questions about the repercussions of the U.S. election for the world, business, sustainability and, most of all, for vulnerable people.
We can’t unpack it all now and need some time to process.
But let’s look at one big issue: the role of business in climate.
There’s been a raging debate/discussion in sustainability circles about the path of “voluntary” corporate sustainability work, with some voices saying that’s a dead end and we need government mandates. Ok, valid argument.
But in the U.S., that’s now not an option. There will be no federal help for the foreseeable future for the clean tech transition. The U.S. will hinder progress globally.
If we want any progress here, we’ll have to keep businesses moving and engaged on climate action. When Trump 1.0 took us out of the Paris Accord, business stepped up with the “We’re Still In” campaign. I don’t think we’ll see something like that again — companies are much, much quieter and nervous now.
So what will that path to corporate climate work be?
– Continued improvement in clean tech economics?
– More industry transitions like the auto world’s move to EVs (because in global markets, the transition is very much still on)?
– Global regulations and market shifts forcing multinationals to move?
– State-level policy to continue supporting clean tech?
– Citizen pressure?
All of the above?
(Image: Bing AI)
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2425
One Response
Thanks Andrew… what’s stunning is the messaging from the new head of Energy. In particular that any notion of a FF transition is dead and that we’re at least 3 decades away from decarbonizing. Between him and the new head of EPA, I despair. But maybe, just maybe, from a technology competition with China approach, that can fuel a surprising govt response. As you know, they are kicking our butt in non renewables development and depolyment, and positioning themselves for the future, not the past. Without some kind of vision change from the Administration, I fear companies will slow down initiatives and largely go silent on what work they do continue with. Jeff