The recent spread of uncertainties has triggered a myriad of changes in logistics and the geopolitical climate, impacting travel, business, and supply chains. The state of tourism and cultural exchanges continue to be in flux, as people ponder how cross-border travel will return in full.
Meanwhile, steep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by organizations, cities and countries over the next few years will be critical to putting the emergency brakes on looming climate catastrophes. As working as separate bodies may not be enough, we look to emerging technologies and the new frontier for global concerted efforts.
Panels
Has COVID-19 caused Net Zero to slip further from our reach, or draw closer? The latest report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that ‘every region is projected to increasingly experience concurrent and multiple changes in climatic impact-drivers’ – such as coastal flooding or melting glaciers – that are irreversible and extreme. Attaining Net Zero won’t come from incremental changes to eliminate emissions, but from more drastic actions to adapt operations and supply chains on a global scale. Meeting ambitious targets will rely on how quickly green technology adoption can advance though affordability, accessibility and supportive policies. We must also weigh the effectiveness of offset programs, credit trading and carbon capture and storage facilities against their long-term impact. In this panel, our thought leaders discuss how we should rethink our interactions with the environment amidst emerging development pathways, and what actions need to be taken by policy makers and industry leaders to bring certainty to fulfilling Net Zero commitments.
COVID-19 has thrown what was once taken for granted into disarray: the ease of travel. Intercultural exchanges have become mired in complications as countries have turned their focus inward, often at the expense of maintaining international bridges. While the world is speculating what travel will look like post-pandemic, we already see its landscape transforming in response to the severe shock to its system. Bringing this in line with sustainability has seen a stronger push locally towards ecotourism – responsible travel that respects the environment, sustains the well-being of local communities and educates visitors. In this panel, our thought leaders discuss how tourism plays an increasingly important role in motivating us towards sustainability, and how the rising attention for wellness may open new opportunities for the travel industry.
Along the road to economic recovery, the private sector must strive to maintain efforts in balancing business growth with respect for the planet and its people. Sustainability is clearly no longer an option but a necessity in any business strategy that seeks long term competitiveness, and the drive for industry-wide transformations has been seen from business owners as well as consumers and lawmakers. As circumstances thaw, corporates are picking up momentum in investing in forward-thinking business practices that take environmental and social priorities into consideration. In this panel, top executives will discuss how companies can continue to champion for change, navigating emerging topics of concern such as green finance, supply chain transparency, ethical consumerism and quality employment.