Hopeful Reminders Post Election

Climate Action, Climate Tech, Diversity and Inclusion More Resilient than One Might Think

The recent U.S. election results may have tempered some hopes for aggressive climate action and deepening commitments to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) but progress continues in ways that transcend government actions. Advancements in climate tech, sustainability investments, and community action are creating a future that is increasingly more environmentally sustainable and socially just. Here are some reasons to remain hopeful and engaged in these efforts, along with resources to help us stay inspired.

1. Energy Transition Already Well Underway

Despite political roadblocks, the global momentum to decarbonize the economy is gaining traction. Christiana Figueres , leader of the Paris Agreement negotiations, recently highlighted in her Outrage + Optimism podcast how renewable power is outpacing fossil fuels economically. Mary Burce Warlick Deputy Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) went further in a recent presentation, to say that climate tech and renewable energy are supporting millions of new jobs worldwide and creating more jobs than incumbent energy companies. Community scale projects are demonstrating innovative breakthroughs in every corner of the globe, such as those recently celebrated at The Earthshot Prize in South Africa.

2. ESG is Profitable

Climate tech companies are attracting big money. For example, Calgary-based Carbon Upcycling Technologies , which turns carbon into useful products for the cement, steel, and mining industries, raised a $34.3 million Series A funding round co-led by BDC Capital (Canada) ’s Climate Tech Fund. Under the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), more than 5,000 institutional investors, representing over $120 trillion in assets, are committed to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their portfolios. They're doing this because companies that are making progress are exposed to fewer risks and generating greater returns. This powerful financial backing is influencing the global shift toward net-zero emissions and incentivizing private sector commitments to climate action, nature protection, inclusion, and transparency.

3. Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Not Dependent on Regulations

An inspiring organization called Equitable Origin has seen rapid growth in recent years for their ESG certification program, which focuses on upholding Indigenous rights, environmental safeguards, and climate solutions. Energy companies like PETRONAS and Pacific Canbriam Energy are going through the rigorous process to certify their projects under the EO100? standard because they recognize building any kind of major energy infrastructure requires community buy-in and Indigenous partnerships. Some companies like TELUS and Scotiabank have co-created Indigenous Reconciliation Plans with their community partners, not because they were mandated to do so but because they see these kinds of partnerships as good business practice that can remove barriers and unlock economic growth.

4. Events Industry Increasingly Recognizing its Power to Effect Change

The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) 2024 Report underscores the potential of events and the hospitality sector to drive sustainability worldwide. Destinations are aligning their tourism and events sectors with regenerative practices that foster positive environmental, socio-economic, and cultural impacts. Canadian cities, including Destination Greater Victoria , Tourisme Montréal , and Québec City Business Destination are among the top-ranking sustainable destinations in the world. According to the GDS-Index, participating destinations are not merely mitigating their impact but also regenerating ecosystems, promoting JEDI, and encouraging collaboration across stakeholders. Programs like Copenhagen’s “CopenPay” and Kumamoto’s circular economy initiatives are examples of how destinations can create sustainable tourism experiences, support JEDI through training, and reinforce circular economy practices among suppliers.

5. Resources for Inspiring News on Climate Action

To stay connected with progress on climate and DEI, here are some invaluable resources:

• Outrage + Optimism Podcast : Hosted by Christiana Figueres , this podcast shines a spotlight on leaders driving equitable climate solutions.
• Talking Climate Newsletter : Hosted by climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe , it's a blend of good news, urgent issues, and actionable steps, making climate topics accessible and actionable.
• Carbon Brief : In-depth reports on global climate policy, tech, and the JEDI impacts associated with climate action.
• Rewilding Markets: Substack by John Elkington, a pioneer in sustainability and the creator of the "Triple Bottom Line" concept. In his newsletter, Elkington provides insights on trends in climate tech, circular economy models, and regenerative practices, challenging conventional economic approaches and advocating for a future where markets align with nature.
• Matereal World : Substack by B. Lorraine Smith provides a guide for sustainability pros seeking real change toward an economy serving life.
• Principles for Responsible Investment: Supported by the United Nations, PRI represents a global network of investors promotes driving sustainable growth and positive impacts across global financial markets.
• Equitable Origin : Resources and standards on responsible energy development, integrating climate action with social equity.
• The Earthshot Prize: A global initiative founded by Prince William showcases visionary leaders and ideas, mobilizing global action to protect and regenerate our planet.
• Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) : The GDS-Index and Movement offer insights into the tourism sector's role in fostering sustainability and JEDI.
• The Sustainable Events Forum : A platform dedicated to advancing sustainable practices within the events industry. Bringing together event professionals, suppliers, and sustainability advocates, The Sustainable Events Forum inspires actionable change, helping the industry reduce its environmental footprint and foster inclusivity.

Final Thoughts

While political outcomes may be disheartening, they cannot deter the multitude of voices and actions pushing for meaningful progress on important environmental and societal issues. Climate tech, community empowerment, and sustainable events are guiding us toward a better future, one that's more inclusive, and restorative. Let's support each other in the face of uncertainty and changing politics to stay resilient and build the legacy of hope and tangible change future generations will benefit from.