On July 15^th, the US President called for action on climate change, and clean energy remains more urgent than ever.

 

With this renewed call for a reduction in carbon emissions, is the rest of the world listening? There is a need for more collaboration between countries as we become more aware of the potential issues of inaction. 

 

The debate around reducing and phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to renewables continues, and many questions remain unanswered. 

 

One high on the agenda is how do you persuade oil and gas companies to make the switch to renewables sooner than later? His message was clear when Mr Biden met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last Friday. We need to move ahead with action to prevent a potentially disastrous 1.5 degree Celsius rise in global temperatures.

 

Working within a multi-agency and authority model to exact change comes with challenges. Joe Biden’€™s global summit may be another reminder that action is a requirement, not a choice.

 

2030 seems to be the pivotal year, with the Saudi Government pushing for opening to the world with less reliance on oil and gas revenues. 

 

Could Vision 2030 be the approach more natural resource-heavy countries should take? Less production of fossil fuels for economic growth, less production of materials over services? Could boosting travel and tourism be the short-term bridge to weening the weary consumer off things and things that cost the earth?

 

As world leaders bring about change, so workforce will have to change. This will either mean a sharp increase in costs in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables or staff training in new ways of working. 

 

How will this impact the current trend of remote working? Perhaps Covid19 provided the time to rethink how we work. 

 

We have seen a dramatic reduction in cars on the road; however, an increase in domestic utility bills. People are considering electric cars over traditional combustible vehicles as they experience the highest fuel cost in years.

 

Whatever we look like in five years depends on what we do now. Now is the time for action from everyone. Leaving your car at home and walking to the office or shops could bring about a mindset shift in the desire to make your next car purchase electric. Shorter journeys mean less need for a vehicle that does the miles.