Despite the plethora of academic papers, books, webinars, conferences and COPs since the UK declared a climate emergency in 2019, temperatures continue to soar beyond dangerous levels. However, this isn't a challenge that one country can address on its own; it requires all nations, all communities and all creeds uniting to work together on cross-border solutions that work for all.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 with a focus on “assessing scientific information related to climate change; evaluating the environmental and socio-economic impacts of climate change and formulating response strategies” [1].
Almost forty years later, there are numerous strategies available to reduce the rise in GHG emissions. A seismic movement of private and public financial capital away from fossil fuels towards alternative renewable energy sources is now possible.
Our environmental impact investment strategy focuses on the following UN SDGs:
An understanding of, and respect for, natural capital, plays an important part in the race to net zero. Nature-based solutions such as improving forestry practices could "remove 7 billion metric tonnes of carbon per year, the equivalent of neutralizing 1.5 billion automobiles" [2]. In addition agricultural and pasture land have been identified by the IPCC and numerous other scientific bodies as carbon mitigation solutions through improved grazing land management and soil management.
Several renewable energy sources are now commonplace throughout the developed world. Solar PV and onshore wind are now the cheapest form of new electricity in 82% of the world [3] and 57% of fossil fuel assets are potentially stranded assets as renewables can outcompete them [4], according to BloombergNEF mentioned in RMI’s pivotal report, X-change Electricity: On track for net zero [5]. The sun and wind are free. Opportunities to invest in wind and geothermal projects are now available across the world. Lesser known forms of renewable energy such as ocean thermal energy conversion are emerging and promise to offer a 24/7 renewable power source that is ideal for tropical island economies.
As we progress through the climate transition (away from fossil fuels to renewable sources), energy from industrial waste processes can contribute to net-zero targets. According to Fetu, all power generated from a waste product, irrespective of fuel source or type is classed as green, sustainable energy [6]. The process of capturing thermal energy (power) that has been discarded from an industrial or mechanical process is referred to as waste heat conversion or Waste Heat to Power (WHP) [7].
Circular economy solutions have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Science-based waste management solutions could potentially serve as natural capital development catalysts while providing economical solutions for waste producers and farmers. Insect Waste Management (IWM) is a good example whereby organic food and agricultural waste is converted into high value protein, bio-oil and fertiliser through a modular process with low energy requirements, predictable revenue streams and low capital and operating expenditure. IWM solutions can be replicated anywhere on the planet and utilise insects, specifically the Black Soldier Fly, in a modular process [8].
Clean water and sanitation (Goal 6) is a UN Sustainable Development Goal with a clear environmental focus that could benefit from increased investment capital given that 3.4 billion people live without access to safe toilets, according to the United Nations. Access to clean water and sanitation are basic human needs that have a direct impact on good health and well-being (Goal 3). The lack of access to sanitation or poor sanitation facilities results in environmental contamination especially in densely populated areas. This leads to increased susceptibility to diseases such as cholera which are spread through untreated waste [9].