Breakthrough Energy Summit Advocates Cement Decarbonization
From June 25-27, 2023, London hosted Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Biannual Summit, where Donal O’Riain, founder and Managing Director of Ecocem, urged industry, governmental, and policy collaboration to escalate efforts toward reducing cement emissions. Highlighting the cement industry's critical role, O’Riain emphasized its significant carbon footprint, which accounts for nearly 8% of global emissions.
Ecocem's achievements were showcased, such as reducing 18 million tonnes of CO2 emissions through projects like Le Grand Paris Express and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. A critical point was made about the necessity of reducing clinker, the primary CO2 source in cement, to achieve the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) goal of a 50% reduction by 2030.
Fashion Industry Faces Scrutiny Over Carbon Emissions
The fashion industry's carbon footprint continues to grow, casting doubt on its sustainability efforts. At the Global Fashion Summit in May 2023, Eva Kruse, Chief Global Engagement Officer at Pangaia, expressed disappointment in the industry's progress over the past 15 years. Despite various green initiatives, leading fashion companies like Shein and LVMH are expanding their product ranges, resulting in a rise in overall emissions.
A study by the Hot or Cool Institute suggests a drastic measure of limiting consumers to five new clothing items per year to align with the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target. While efficiency measures are being implemented, experts argue that significant reduction in clothing production and consumption is essential. The European Union has introduced measures to improve sustainability but has yet to enforce production quotas or eco-taxes to curb overproduction.
Both sectors highlight the urgent need for accelerated, innovative solutions and policy interventions to meet climate targets.