Imagine a ‘net zero’ world

A photo of Tokyo's skyline can give some hints about the challenges ahead for societies to transition towards net zero. Japan and many of its impressive companies are global leaders on several clean energy technologies. This photo was taken on an energy and technology research trip to Tokyo some years ago. It makes me think: How can we manage the transition to a 'net zero' world?

Most of what we see and touch around us today started with an image or idea in someone's mind in the past. Maybe the first step to achieve a net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions society is therefore to imagine it today?

If one tries this mental exercise for the whole world, and all human activities, it quickly becomes an overwhelming thought. Nevertheless, take some time and try to imagine it. 

What is truly challenging is to imagine societies that are affordable, reliable, clean, and safe at the same time, or simply viable net zero societies. What are the technologies and solutions that together can take us there orderly and affordably? Most people are not familiar with all technologies and solutions that are available today. How can one then imagine a net zero world?

To make this mental exercise even more difficult, try to imagine a net zero world by 2050. Most of the world population will be around 27 years from now; experiencing the power or failure of human imagination today. How can we make it in just one generation?

To realize this net zero challenge by 2050 one thing is clear: net zero must be possible with the technological solutions we have available today. There is no time to waste and no point to wait, knowing that adoption of new technologies historically has taken a long time.

Another recognition is that co-creation and co-ordination is required between governments, companies, investors, and individuals. A logistics company cannot achieve net zero GHG emissions for its fleet unless manufacturers provide zero emissions vehicles, and unless energy companies at the same time build or repurpose infrastructure for net zero fuels or energy vectors. How can this be coordinated? And don’t forget that even the steel going into the vehicle body must be net zero.  

It quickly becomes evident that all companies have a role to play to achieve a net zero GHG emissions world.

Because most people are not aware of all available solutions, the best approach is maybe to have an open mind and be somewhat technology agnostic. After acquiring knowledge about, and familiarity with, all technologies available today, it is time to rethink what is possible and start to co-create value towards an affordable, reliable, clean, and safe ‘net zero’ world by 2050.

In our fund's 2025 climate action plan we have set out expectations toward all companies we are invested in to align their businesses with the Paris Agreement. We expect all companies to pursue ‘net zero’ and make plans that are actionable and measurable short-, medium-, and long-term. No sector or company is exempt.

An orderly transition towards a net zero GHG emissions world is in the best interest of current, and future, generations. It is viable if all companies align to achieve this goal with an open mindset. There are many pathways to net zero.

Tell us how your company will pursue this opportunity. What are your company’s ‘net zero’ solutions?

Now try to reimagine a net zero world.