A report summarising the meeting is available online (PDF).
Background
Achieving a net zero carbon society that is both resilient to climate change and inclusive requires the development and widespread deployment of both disruptive and existing technologies, supported by public and private funding. Responding to climate change has historically been seen as the realm of government policy, however, there is rising expectation that the financial sector should contribute to managing the risks associated with climate change. In June 2019, at least $30.7 trillion of funds were held in sustainable or green investments, an increase of 34% from 2016 according to a report by the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance. However, closer integration is needed between the physical and social sciences, financial professionals and institutions, innovative start-ups and global industry to support a low-carbon future.
This Transforming our future meeting was held by the Royal Society in partnership with the Green Finance Institute. This unique interaction between science and finance brought together leading experts from across industry, government and the wider scientific and financial communities. Speakers explored recent developments in low carbon technologies across sectors which have been the target for ‘green finance’: hydrogen and ammonia, heating and cooling, batteries and energy storage, nuclear energy and digital. The meeting also explored opportunities and challenges to commercialising these technologies and potential solutions to channel the world’s finance into their widespread implementation. Speakers discussed the measurement of risk of new scientific technologies for the financial community and how to mitigate this.
In dedication
During the planning of this event, Sir Roger Gifford, a key member of the organising committee, sadly passed away. His family were keen for the meeting to go ahead, which was held as a dedication to him. Sir Roger leaves a strong legacy in this important area of climate-linked financial services, and contributed significantly in the development phase and to shaping the agenda and content of this important event. Dame Sue Ion DBE FREng FRS and Professor Peter Bruce FRS led the organising committee in his stead.
About the conference series
The conference is part of the Royal Society's Transforming our future conference series, overseen by the Science, Industry and Translation Committee and generously supported by AstraZeneca. These meetings are unique, high-level events that address the scientific and technical challenges of the next decade. Each conference features cutting edge science from industry and academia and brings together leading experts from the scientific community, including regulatory, charity and funding bodies.