On the Path To Net Zero

Transforming the global economy to become carbon neutral requires systemic change. This can only be achieved when all stakeholders in an economy work on the same goals, as this panel discussion with Cristiana Falcone (JMCMRJ Sorrell Foundation), Michael Diederich (HypoVereinsbank) and Peter Körte (Siemens) makes clear.

“I look at decarbonization and digitalization as two mutually reinforcing trends”, Körte says. His reasoning? Digital technologies can bring more transparency to products and processes, but also allow companies like Siemens to become more efficient and use fewer resources.

For financial institutions like HypoVereinsbank, the issue has “at least two components”, Michael Diederich points out.

On the one hand, there are the company’s own efforts to become carbon neutral; on the other, it tries to speed up the economy’s transition by investing in a greener economy. In this sense, he says, banks can transform society and help other companies “to make their carbon footprint leaner”.