Our most popular stories in 2023 reflected the concern, hope, and cynicism of the global business response to climate change.
Our readers sent a clear message: it’s less about fear and more about knowing what can and will work to make the planet a safer, more prosperous place.
Nine climate “solutions” that don’t help
by the Climate & Capital Team
The world faces a major obstacle to addressing the climate crisis: a proliferation of distracting technologies that are not climate solutions. Some are well-intentioned, some are strategic, some are delusional, and some greenwash to justify the continued use of fossil fuels and to distract from less expensive renewable energy.
Project Drawdown: “There is still hope to halt climate change”
by Rebekah Moan
According to Project Drawdown’s executive director, Dr. Jonathan Foley, the world is in a race between two very different futures: unabated fossil fuel use or the “exponential use of new technologies, new policies, new movements, new businesses, new markets, new everything.” He concludes, “I’m convinced we can win this race if we put our minds to it.”
Regenerative agriculture: Key to solving the climate crisis
by Hunter Lovins
Despite what you hear, regenerative agriculture is less expensive than conventional farming, says veteran climate activist Hunter Lovins. She believes regenerative agriculture is kinder to nature and delivers more abundant and affordable food — while generating significant profit.
It’s the solar economy, stupid
by Danny Kennedy
Solar and battery growth are now outpacing even the most bullish outlooks. BloombergNEF, which has closely followed the sector for almost two decades, now predicts the world will add 392 gigawatts of solar power in 2023 alone.
Eight deadly sins: What analysts get wrong on the energy transition
by Kingsmill Bond and Sam Butler-Sloss
The renewable revolution defies the predictions of most energy commentators who continuously underestimate its proper trajectory. Noise, or a random error, is inherent to forecasting; bias, however, requires a deeper explanation. So why do so many intelligent people undersell the pace and dynamism of the renewable revolution?
Valuing nature
by Cristina Hastings Newsome
Nature is the foundation of today’s economic and social system, with 50 percent of the world’s economy depending upon it. The economic benefits of nature — including its provisioning, regulation, and cultural services — are estimated to be 1.5 times the global GDP. Yet today, our natural resources are degrading faster than they can regenerate. Cristina Hastings Newsom believes that we must reexamine how we grow and deliver food and natural fiber used to produce goods to prevent the loss of “ecosystem services” nature provides.
EU banks must include ESG risks in capital requirement overhaul
by Moriah Costa
In a global first, Europe’s banking regulator is overhauling its capital requirement framework and requiring banks to include environmental and social risks in their reserves. The latest requirements are just the beginning of what is meant to be a continuous reworking of European banking capital frameworks amid the increasing threat of climate change.
Is the answer to new large-scale renewable energy floating right in front of us?
by Rebekah Moan
Part of what hinders the approval of solar and wind projects is where to put them. Farmers and developers want to use their land for agriculture and building. Plus, some say large-scale wind and solar installations are an eyesore. The solution? Floating wind and solar plants. By using floating solar plants in water reservoirs, 6,256 communities and/or cities in 124 countries could generate all their electricity demand.
Can economists design hurricane stress tests?
by Ingrid Walker
Thoughts on reforming the climate data industry to make it fit for purpose.
Canada’s failing carbon capture dreams
by Mitchell Beer
A carbon capture advocacy group founded by coal giant BHP admits Canada will not meet its decarbonization goals.
