When Worlds Collide: 5 Ideas to Foster Cross-Border Collaboration in the Climate Debate

The chorus of voices clamoring to address climate change continue to grow. Contrary points of view persist but slowly fade as the data becomes more compelling. Taking a finite space (room, home or earth) and exponentially increasing its occupants undoubtedly causes problems at some point. It’s just common sense. Now whether you accept the current apocalyptic rhetoric or believe that time is on our side it’s clear something must be done.

 “Are the loudest voices in the room the most relevant?”

Reports from the 11,000 climate scientists, IEA, IPCC and other organizations offer a dire warning suggesting very little time while offering a range of solutions. The solutions include major policy shifts combined with lifestyle changes (dietary to the more controversial population adjustments). However, as I observe the global debate and commentary across social and corporate media, it always surprises me by the lack of diverse voices at the table when and where it matters. It begs the question: are the loudest voices in the room the most relevant?

The democratization of technology, major improvements in life expectancy and fluid geopolitical relationships continue to underpin the rapid rise of the global middle class. Many billions have been lifted out of poverty as a result of innovations across multiple sectors. Transitioning from poverty to prosperity creates immense opportunities for a fundamentally better life on many metrics. The rise in prosperity has been remarkably rapid. At the end of 2018 the world reached a tipping point with the global middle class accounting for over 50% or 3.8 billion of the world’s population according to the Brookings Institution. This number is forecast to exceed 5 billion by 2030. Over 60% will come from Asia.

From Lagos to Manila, most of this emerging economic class now enjoy better wages, larger homes, increased mobility, first time flights and many other new experiences. As this middle class grows urbanization is not far behind. By the year 2030 the number of megacities (cities with over 10 million people) will exceed 40 from over 30 today. Several of these megacities will be in Africa which remains the fastest urbanizing region globally. By the year 2050 approximately 70% of the global population will reside in cities. 

"The time, effort and resources spent on civil disobedience can be better spent on building bridges across cultures to find real and long-lasting solutions"

The new economic class will ultimately become the central stakeholder in the debate on climate change, sustainability and future global resource allocation. Yet, they remain untested as potential stewards of our planet for future generations to come. Patterns and levels of sustainable consumerism and waste generation are not fully understood.

As we begin to accept the realities of this global demographic and wealth transition, these 5 ideas will help foster better cross-border collaboration and engagement with this new economic class to create a more sustainable world. 

1. Accept the reality and diversity of shifting global demographics

Debates aside on the emerging global wealth gap there is no denying that a new class of spenders and consumers are emerging. It is a diverse set of consumers with unique social and cultural norms as well as evolving consumption patterns. 

2. Solutions that significantly move the needle will be more important than piecemeal ones.

From planting trees and alternative meats to renewable energy and carbon capture there is no shortage of innovation and other solutions that purport to address sustainability and climate change. The fundamental question always centers around scalability and adaptability. Solutions can only move the needle if they cross borders and cultures. The risk of unintended consequences remains high as these innovations begin to take root.

3. Dismantle the echo chambers

Academic, cultural and funding echo chambers are quite strong and sometimes create barriers to incorporating relevant voices, innovations and ideas. These echo chambers should be scrutinized and challenged when necessary. 

4. True innovation rest in scaling unique models of collaboration 

Technology cannot replace the value and importance of global dialogue. Breaking through cultural, economic, religious, technological barriers is essential to create a common vision and shared purpose for a sustainable planet. The time, effort and resources spent on civil disobedience can be better spent on building bridges across cultures and economic classes to find real and sustainable solutions.

5. Profitable models that integrate the aspirations of the new middle class will prevail.

Attempting to “flyskam” first time travelers from Manila, Chengdu, Nairobi, or Hanoi is not an optimal path to take. Many solutions and models do exist that simultaneously accommodate the aspirations of the middle class while mitigating climate change risks to our planet. Integrated and platform strategies do offer potential to the extent they address multiple issues i.e. climate change, food and energy security.

Let’s not forget that no person is an island and solving the world’s future global resource and climate challenges require collective will. Building this global collective will is hard but I am optimistic it can be done. Governments can play a role through policy mechanisms, funding and other initiatives. However, the role of the global private sector is most important. Global brands by their nature carry considerable influence and can reset expectations to create a new normal with this emerging class of consumers. 

The challenges and risks to our planet are clear. Many solutions are on the table. However, real change can only be achieved when the loudest voices in the room emerge from Lagos, New Delhi, Jakarta, Sao Paulo and Beijing. 

#esg #climatechange #aviation #oilandgas #mining #sdg #foodwaste #megacities #middleclass