Dr. Patrick Herhold

Leaders of transportation and logistics (T&L) companies need to transition from defense to offense in their approach to climate action. Typically, T&L executives have viewed sustainability efforts as a compliance burden or a potential source of cost savings. In addition to considering these issues, they need to recognize that climate action offers them a broader opportunity to create tangible value by tapping into new markets and meeting new types of demand for low-carbon services. By taking… Mehr anzeigen

Leaders of transportation and logistics (T&L) companies need to transition from defense to offense in their approach to climate action. Typically, T&L executives have viewed sustainability efforts as a compliance burden or a potential source of cost savings. In addition to considering these issues, they need to recognize that climate action offers them a broader opportunity to create tangible value by tapping into new markets and meeting new types of demand for low-carbon services. By taking the right approach, companies can increase their resilience to a known and imminent threat. Weniger anzeigen

With the COVID-19 pandemic still in full swing, energy companies around the globe are in containment mode to cope with its considerable short-term impact. But hiding in the shadows of the current crisis is a possibility with even greater potential implications for global energy markets: the world may already have passed peak demand for fossil fuels.

While emissions have dropped during the economic shutdown caused by the pandemic—early estimates show a decline of 5% to 10% in 2020 from 2019—the structural challenge of a carbon-driven economy remains the same. The slow progress in collective action from international climate negotiations turns the spotlight on what individual corporations, investors, governments, and ultimately, citizens can do to prevent an irreversible global crisis.

COVID-19 recovery efforts can contribute to solving two crises at once—if leaders direct recovery-focused investments toward sustainable infrastructure, green jobs, and environmental resilience.

The COVID-19 outbreak calls, first and foremost, for a health response to detect and contain infections, provide emergency care, and maintain public health systems. In addition, there must be a response to broader societal needs and the economy, as many countries are entering a recession of uncertain duration and magnitude. In the midst of all these challenges, we have the responsibility to rebuild our economies and prepare for the future—and climate must be a part of our thinking.