During the opening ceremony of BEYOND Expo 2024, Jason Ho, Co-founder of BEYOND Expo, welcomed Jon Creyts, CEO of Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), to delve into the pressing need for global collaboration, investment, and technological innovation in combating climate change. Creyts emphasized the multifaceted impact of climate change on health, livelihoods, and communities, stressing the interconnectedness of sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Addressing the imperative for policy changes and initiatives to drive technology adoption worldwide, Creyts underscored the transformative potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in regions like Delhi, where pollution from vehicular traffic poses significant health risks. He highlighted the economic advantages of transitioning to EVs, citing examples from countries like India and Nigeria, where embracing new technologies could yield substantial savings and foster economic growth.
Regarding accessibility and affordability of climate tech innovations in developing countries, Creyts framed the challenge as an opportunity for strategic intervention to redirect investment flows. He advocated for measures to expedite the transition away from carbon-intensive assets, such as carbon trading initiatives and Just Energy Transition partnerships, while emphasizing the need to accelerate innovation and scale existing solutions in sectors like steel, cement, and renewable energy.
In scaling up investment and fostering climate tech solutions, Creyts emphasized the pivotal role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in aligning research, capital, and infrastructure to drive systemic change. Drawing on examples from industries like aviation, shipping, and steel, he highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in creating conducive conditions for transformative action.
Reflecting on the ideal superpower to combat climate change, Creyts expressed a wish to dispel the notion of fossil fuels as a source of security and instead cultivate belief in renewable energy as the path to a cleaner, more sustainable future. He emphasized the affordability and viability of renewable sources like wind and solar, coupled with innovations in battery technology, as key drivers of a transition towards a secure energy landscape.
