With COP26 recently concluded, most nations have a renewed impetus to work harder towards Net Zero by 2050. While a lofty goal to reach, it has refueled the conversation about carbon footprints and prioritized sustainability amongst country and corporate agendas alike. Net zero can only be achieved when the amount of greenhouse gases that we put into the environment are at par with the amount taken away. Is leveraging technology the answer? Where does the onus of reducing CO2 emissions lie - solely with country leaders or with corporate leaders too?

On a realistic level, how achievable is the net zero target keeping in mind economies? How do we empower human capital, financial systems, and industries to rethink business models with the lens of environmental impact?

This timeline keynote talk by a Zinnov leader will delve into a systemic level strategy for businesses and deep dive into what we can do as an ecosystem - by leveraging digital technologies at our disposal.

In our collective quest towards achieving climate targets, countries cannot meet a net zero commitment without completely rethinking their economy and businesses. Companies need accountability from top down and leaders must reimagine corporate growth strategies in ways that adapt current models to support transformation across the organizational rungs, including workforce transformation. And this includes investing in innovation and appropriate talent that can drive innovation.

We need a net zero workforce equipped with the right skills and enthusiasm, to help build a cleaner, greener system and operate newer, sustainable business models. This workforce transformation will require a variety of skills from different disciplines.

How can companies think about aligning HR strategies with climate change? How can a workforce be looked at as agents towards achieving net zero? In this timely and apt keynote talk, Vijay Swaminathan will explore how a workforce can serve climate goals with fresh visions and missions.

The achievement of the UN SDGs (Sustainability Development Goals) and commercial use of 6G technologies are both targeted for 2030. While research on 6G has already started, directing this research consciously is the need of the hour. It is imperative to build environmentally cleaner and more sustainable mobile network ecosystems. Ericsson’s recent modeling suggested that by 2030, 5G technology would aid in reducing emissions equivalent of taking one in seven of the EU’s cars off the road.

However, is there a way to re-evaluate mobile network footprint? How can faster and more technology serve the SDG goals and net zero over the next few years? Is throwing more advanced technologies at the problem the way to a sustainable solution?

Dr. Ziegler’s session will allow us to understand an insider’s perspective on how mobile networks are pioneering this conversation.

Sustainability has often been looked at with a jaundiced eye, unrealistic in certain aspects, while skeptical in others. If the conversation has to shift from building sustainable models with business in mind, to building business models with sustainability at the core, we will be capable of tapping into new markets, innovation, creating employment, and shifting economic processes and policies. However, to actualize such a change in direction and business strategy, besides cross-industry co-operation between companies, it also requires a lower carbon business model, tangible goals, clearly defined action plans, and measurable KPIs that evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy.

How can profit be made, while serving the planet? How can existing businesses rethink their current models more mindfully? This coffee chat with Ioana Botezatu will put forth solutions on profitability with regard to natural environments, carbon footprint, and ecologies.

As digital technologies seep into our lives, the increased energy consumption over the past few decades is becoming more evident, across the globe. To keep up with global climate targets, the need to re-evaluate how energy utilization can be optimized and carbon emissions be curbed, becomes imperative.

Access to data today is at its peak. Using Big Data in improving the lifecycles of products and electricity grids are just a few ways to accelerate efforts towards net zero. The most pressing issue at hand is to shift the perspective towards how digitalization can help in working towards decarbonization, rather than become a threat.

What are some ways that digitalization can tie into a country’s decarbonization efforts? How is increased dependence on technology a positive factor in decarbonization? How can decarbonization use technology for new, innovative strategies? Join this pertinent panel discussion for perspectives on how sustainability can be reinterpreted using technologies that aim to build better.

The youth have been the most mobilized towards finding climate change solutions, and the most affected. As a consequence, anxiety has escalated to unfathomable levels. But how have they been dealing with it? What is eco-anxiety and how can it be effectively addressed?

Phoebe Hanson’s expertise extends to eco-anxiety in the face of the climate crisis. She vocalizes how people across industries, and industry leaders can co-create and co-design solutions to address the climate crisis. Her work actively enables youth to work together to find solutions pertaining to climate change. As an activist, Phoebe emphasizes on the importance of youth representation in decision-making rooms.