During the next two decades, the planet will face various inevitable climate dangers. Given this situation, how can technology serve us to transform businesses, economic sectors, cities and countries?
The changes society has faced in the past two years have forced us to take a break. Due to the dramatic circumstances, we’ve learned to comprehend the fragility of our species and have reestablished our limits and the rules of the game in an attempt to put the planet first. Technology is, without a doubt, a necessary ally for accelerating change and creating a more positive impact.
By the end of 2021, the world's economy appeared to be recovering. According to a report from The World Bank, European countries, China, and The United States all predicted economic growth by December 2021, with the US expecting 6.5% growth; China expecting 8.5%; and 4.2% for the European Area. The world was not yet discussing Russia and Ukraine, or the global economic setback that would arise from the invasion that was to occur only a few months later.
Despite these numbers, the world was facing an unequal process of recovery that would bring about major challenges. According to an article published by the World Economic Forum, the world’s 50 most powerful economic forces committed to invest €14.6 billion in the post-pandemic recovery. Despite this, only 2.5% of that investment would be destined to green initiatives.
The world’s 50 most powerful economic forces committed to invest €14.6 billion in the post-pandemic recovery. Despite this, only 2.5% of that investment would be destined to green initiatives
These investments were being driven by only a few countries with the highest average incomes, such as Denmark, Norway, Germany, Finland, and France. In this context, it should be noted that, although carbon emissions were reduced by 5.4% in 2020 due to economic shutdown, a 4.9% increase is expected this year, according to the Global Carbon Project. This fact has only come into clearer focus at the COP26 in Glasgow.
As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has predicted, climate change is worsening social and economic inequality. Indeed, people and ecosystems with the fewest resources or response capabilities are the most affected. According to their study, all countries are not adapting at the same rate, and the gap between adopted measures and what’s actually needed to face the risks ahead is growing ever wider.
The IPCC study has warned that the planet will inevitably face various climate hazards during the next two decades, along with a temperature increase of 2.7°F. Other consequences, some irreversible, will also arise should the increase surpass this number. The international scientific community has made an urgent plea to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
These warnings call for us to reflect. How can we accelerate the necessary transformation to revert this situation? How can technology help transform businesses, economic sectors, cities and countries? Our future as a humanity depends on these answers. Businesses and the public sector are showing the need to rely on a global vision. Today, we invite you to discover possible answers.
By Juan Parodi, Associate and Global Director of Sustainability and Impact of OLIVIA
