Before the breathing air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the night-time
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone and take back something’ worth rememberin
– Out in the country – Three Dog Night
By now you’re probably aware of considerable ads from companies that proudly boast they are well on their way to “net zero carbon” by 2030, or 2040, or 2050, or even now are already there, or maybe claim they have always been – and some of these proclaimers may surprise you.
Challenge accepted and victory within our grasp? We’re going to be just fine, right?
We focus our 6th issue of the Socially Inspired Investor digest/podcast on one of the most important aspects of the Paris Climate Agreement and a founding principle of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals, the Net Zero Carbon initiative.
Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon dioxide emissions with carbon removal – not necessarily ceasing to produce carbon dioxide entirely, but offsetting its deleterious effect on the environment with actions that will help the environment
Can we get there? Will it work? What does it mean if we do get there? What would have to change? What is the downside? Does it mean loss of jobs? Is it bad for business or good for business? Bad for investors or good for investors? We thought it was important to shine light on all these questions as we continue to coach you through the journey of becoming a socially inspired investor.
We are happy to include for this issue two podcasts.
Co-author of the new book, “Smart Cities, Smart Future: Showcasing Tomorrow” Cornelia Levy-Bencheton describes fascinating ways some localities around the world are taking on the challenges of both reducing carbon footprint while increasing live-ability.
We also hear from Mark Campanale Founder of Carbon Tracker, a London based think-tank researching the impact of climate change on financial markets. His assessment is that the net zero carbon revolution has already achieved an unstoppable momentum. Winners and losers are becoming easier to define. But of course the question is will it be fast enough?
Our Spotlight On section poses this question to experts in the field:
What is the most practical business solution with the largest potential impact in the race to net zero carbon?
As you will see, the answers seem to depend more on will and commitment, rather than the need for more funding or expanding beyond existing technology, both encouraging and surely befuddling. Please enjoy this issue of the Socially Inspired Investor digest/podcast and pass it along. When it comes to investing for the future remember it’s your money and your choice.
