Davos 2024

A Long-Term Strategy for Climate, Nature and Energy

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning. This week's Davos 2024 meeting, running from January 15 to 19, is centered on "A Long-Term Strategy for Climate, Nature, and Energy". Covering a wide array of topics such as transforming energy demand, frontline nature conservation, the role of technology in environmental health, and strategies to mitigate climate impacts on health, the meeting brings together global leaders and experts to forge sustainable solutions. Notably, the sessions are being broadcast live, offering an opportunity for global audiences to engage in real-time. With a scheduled timetable available, don't miss the chance to watch these vital discussions and be part of shaping a sustainable future.

TheGreenBillioness Team

"Climate change does not respect border; it does not respect who you are - rich and poor, small and big. Therefore, this is what we call 'global challenges,' which require global solidarity."

Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations

News Spotlight

  • World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 begins amid growing concerns over conflicts, climate change, deepfakes. The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 began in Davos on January 15 evening with an opening concert dedicated to the Sahara desert and Amazon rainforest amid growing concerns among world leaders over climate change, conflicts and misinformation. Full Story

  • Conflict, climate change and AI get top billing as leaders converge for Davos. This year, the week-long annual summit is focusing on geopolitics, the future of AI, and climate change. Its motto is 'rebuilding trust,' as Mirek Dušek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, says. Full Story

  • Climate anxiety is increasingly influencing decisions about family planning worldwide. Studies show a growing number of individuals whose deep concerns about climate change are leading them to reconsider having children. Full Story

  • Extreme cold snaps, like the recent Arctic blast in the US, still occur despite global warming due to changes in the jet stream and polar vortex, influenced by Arctic warming. These events don't contradict the overall trend of increasingly warmer winters. Full Story

  • Climate Change is Driving a Sharp Drop in Snow Levels. A recent study highlights that climate change is significantly reducing snow levels in the Northern Hemisphere, with regions warming enough to jeopardize future snow prospects, impacting everything from water resources to winter tourism. Full Story

Sustainable Finance

  • To Prevent Climate Chaos, We May Have to Forsake Economic Growth. Researchers are increasingly considering a "restorative pathway" to address global warming, as highlighted in a recent study in Environmental Research Letters. This approach suggests a shift from economic growth-focused strategies to ones that prioritize equitable wealth distribution, biodiversity restoration, and ecosystem protection. Full Story

  • As more than $1 trillion flows into climate tech, incentive-tracking apps find firm footing. Websites, apps and startups are rushing to track government incentives for climate tech. Full Story

  • Seattle's Stepchange Fund Aims to Speed Up Carbon-Cutting Tech Adoption. Tech veteran Ben Eidelson's Stepchange fund in Seattle focuses on fast-tracking the adoption of carbon-cutting technologies. Full Story

  • London's Growing Climate Tech Inward Investment Vital for Net Zero Goals. London is experiencing a surge in climate tech investment, with international tech firms choosing the city as their hub for addressing climate change challenges. Full Sotry

  • Female-Led Climate Tech Startup Raises £950k to Boost UK Home Energy Efficienc. UK climate tech startup Furbnow has secured £950k in pre-seed investment to launch its home decarbonisation platform. Full Story

Technology & Solutions

  • CEOs Doubt Company Survival Amid AI and Climate Challenges. A PwC survey reveals that while optimism about the global economy is growing among CEOs, there's a rising concern that companies may not survive the next decade without major changes due to challenges from climate change and artificial intelligence. Full Story

  • Three climate technologies breaking through in 2024. MIT Technology Review's annual list highlights three climate innovations: super-efficient solar cells, enhanced geothermal systems, and heat pumps. These technologies promise greater energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Full Story

  • CES 2024 Showcases the Climate-Centric Future of Consumer Tech. CES, the annual tech trade show in Las Vegas, is highlighting the increasing convergence of consumer technology and climate change solutions. Full Story

  • UAE Emerges as a Silicon Valley for Climate Tech Innovation. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making significant strides in the transition to a diversified economy and is actively supporting climate tech innovation. Full Story

  • First Movers Coalition Drives Demand for Emerging Climate Tech. The First Movers Coalition (FMC), with over 95 members, is accelerating the adoption of emerging climate technologies. By 2030, FMC commitments will generate $16 billion in annual demand for these technologies, advancing the decarbonization of sectors like shipping, aviation, and more. Full Story

Q&A

  • Q1: What year did the World Economic Forum in Davos first prioritize climate change as a central theme?

  • Q2: How many trees were planted during the 2020 Davos meeting as part of the "1 Trillion Trees" initiative?

    Kindly peruse the content below to access the answers.*

RECs

  • Water-Saving Wednesday: Focus on reducing water usage for a day. This could involve taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and using a water-efficient washing machine cycle.

  • Thrifty Thursday: Challenge yourself to buy nothing new for the day. Instead, repair, reuse, or repurpose items you already own. This habit helps reduce waste and promotes a more sustainable consumption pattern. Learn more about the benefits of this approach at The Story of Stuff.

  • Eco-Friendly Cleaning Friday: Swap out chemical-laden cleaning products for natural, environmentally friendly alternatives. You can make your own cleaners using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Discover recipes and tips for natural cleaning solutions at Good Housekeeping.

  • Solar Saturday: Spend the day maximizing natural light instead of using artificial lighting. Open curtains and blinds to let in sunlight, and try to arrange your activities during daylight hours. This simple action saves energy and reduces your electricity bill.

  • Sustainable Gardening Sunday: Dedicate time to your garden, focusing on sustainable practices like composting, using native plants, and conserving water. If you don't have a garden, consider starting a small herb garden indoors.

The Q&A Answers are:

  • A1: The World Economic Forum in Davos first prioritized climate change as a central theme in 2007. This decision to prioritize climate change as a central theme at the Davos meetings in 2007 marked a pivotal moment in the forum's history, reflecting a global awareness of the importance of addressing climate change and acknowledging the need for collaborative efforts among world leaders, businesses, and organizations to combat this critical challenge.

  • A2: During the 2020 Davos meeting, participants pledged to plant 1 trillion trees, marking a significant commitment to combating climate change. The pledge to plant 1 trillion trees during the 2020 Davos meeting symbolized a remarkable commitment to combat climate change by harnessing the natural carbon-capturing capabilities of trees on a massive scale.

Did you Know?

Did you know that during the 2022 Davos meeting, private jet emissions quadrupled, with 1,040 planes flying in and out of airports serving Davos? Climate campaigners accused leaders of hypocrisy as these flights emitted as much CO2 in a week as 350,000 cars, highlighting a stark contrast between climate discussions and the environmental impact of private jet travel. Read more in The Guardian.

With Inspiring Climate Activists

Severn Cullis-Suzuki (born 30 November 1979) is a Canadian environmental activist and writer. She has spoken around the world about environmental issues, urging listeners to define their values, act with the future in mind and take individual responsibility. She is the daughter of Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki. watch her famous speech at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992 here.

Main Events in 2024
Here are some of the major sustainability and climate change events scheduled for 2024:

  1. WEF (January 15–19, 2024): Focused on "A Long-Term Strategy for Climate, Nature, and Energy," this gathering is known for bringing together global leaders to discuss pressing issues in Davos.

  2. Innovation Zero (April 30 to May 01, 2024): An event showcasing the latest in climate technology and convening entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to push forward net-zero emissions solutions.

  3. World ESG and Climate Summit (June 18-19, 2024): This summit brings together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities related to sustainability and ESG practices.

  4. Climate Week NYC – We Can (October 23-31, 2024): An annual event that showcases climate action and accelerates the transition to a net-zero future with world leaders, policymakers, businesses, and citizens.

  5. COP29 (November 6-18, 2024): The 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan.

     

     *also read Top 10 must-attend sustainability events in 2024.

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