2022 was a year of climate progress. Our next steps are critical

By Amanda Leland, Executive Director

2022 was a year of momentum on climate action. From the transformational clean energy and transportation investments in the U.S. to the IEA’s dramatically improved projections on global renewable energy. These are foundational steps for getting on the right track, because key to our future is electrifying everything we can.?

However serious challenges remain.?For example, the world needs to cut an additional 10 gigatons of climate pollution annually by mid-century. That’s twice what the U.S. emits from burning fossil fuels each year. And energy-intensive sectors need viable solutions beyond electrification, which are only now being developed.?

That’s why EDF’s recent Climate Tech Convening focused on potential solutions in the areas of carbon removal and long-distance freight. EDF has long championed the role of nature in pulling carbon from the atmosphere and storing it for a long time. Nature is essential no matter what, and now technologies and machines are joining the scene. Long-haul trucking, shipping and aviation presents some of the biggest opportunities to address climate change but also some of the toughest problems to solve. Similarly, the movement of people and goods around the world presents some of the biggest opportunities to address climate change but also some of the toughest problems to solve.?

In San Francisco, 120 innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs gathered for a wonky, fascinating, and necessary dive into creating a future with less climate pollution. As the urgency on climate grows, so too does the shared understanding that we can only move fast enough if entrepreneurs, government, and communities work together. Cooperation brings speed and better outcomes.?

Innovation and entrepreneurism brings hope. Because there are no silver bullets, there is great scope for problem-solvers to jump in and make a difference.?It also creates a huge opportunity to work together to ensure we get this right from the start.?

We need to build an ecosystem of effective solutions for carbon removal and long-distance freight. This includes focusing on quality, cost-effectiveness and transparency.?We must support the integrity of natural systems, because there is no net zero future without nature. And understand and address the full life cycle costs and benefits of sustainable fuels in aviation and shipping, now in development.?New carbon removal technologies need a strengthened social license to operate?– gaining acceptance from communities through continued engagement and local benefits.??

Because the reality is that it all comes down to people. Climate solutions are also community solutions. Those that will succeed and be durable are those that design for human well-being and integrate the needs of communities—especially those most impacted by climate change and historic pollution.

And beyond shiny new technology, there are gains to be made today. Think retrofits, waste and logistics improvements that create efficiency. And much bigger prizes on the horizon.

EDF will continue to bring together businesses, community leaders, and policymakers to help solve this hugely complex, but winnable, fight. These challenges might be big, but never count out the power of human ingenuity.