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Four steps to achieving energy transformation after COP26

James Forrest
2 Dec 2021

Although much has been said about our industry’s contribution to global CO2 emissions, we are also in a unique position to spearhead change.

Few weeks ago, I had the honor and the pleasure of attending COP26 in Glasgow. And despite the dreary Scottish weather – and of course thev grim nature of the crisis we were all there to discuss – I saw so much to be optimistic about.

First, it was great to see all the progress, like the renewed commitment to deliver on meaningful Net Zero targets by 2030, global agreement on methane reductions, the phasing down of fossil fuels and coal, and the promise to end deforestation by 2030, even signed by Brazil.

Plus, all the countries coming to a consensus to come back with new plans to reduce emissions by 2030 next year.

According to the Climate Action Tracker, if all ratified, promises made by governments could limit global temperature rises to 2.4 degrees – a great improvement on the 3.6 degree estimate made following the Paris climate summit in 2015.

It was also uplifting to participate in so many conversations about not just what we want to achieve – but exactly what we can do to achieve it.
One such conversation was the panel at the World Climate Summit, where we discussed the global transformation of energy systems.

So what do we need to do? And where to do we start?

Read the full list of steps I concluded for achieving energy transition after COP26.

Author

James Forrest

Group Industry Leader for Energy Transition and Utilities at Capgemini
I lead in helping global clients with major business transformations involving smart grid, IoT, the reform of gas and electricity markets, major software and infrastructure changes, and the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to drive significant business performance improvement.