Reflections on COP30: Signals for climate action in 2026
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We are making progress in what kind of regards? Isn’t this COP30 harming the development of the economy. Further more for example in Germany renewable energy will never cover energy demand in a sufficient and efficient manner since we have no more mayor energy source. Germany is in a lot of trouble.
Luke Durkan Good point! It’s great to see so much work taking place around physical infrastructure and product development. But without shifting mindsets, we risk solving only half the problem. At Slow Fashion Movement, we see every day how education on overconsumption and the wasteful nature of fashion can catalyze more climate-conscious choices. Empowering people to buy less, use longer, and value circularity is essential if we want these systemic transitions to truly take root.
Climate discussions often refer to “average global temperature,” even though this metric is scientifically problematic. Temperature differences across Earth can exceed more than 100°C between regions and seasons, and the concept of a single global mean temperature was originally developed in planetary science to compare the radiative balance of different planets rather than to describe local climate realities. Given these limitations, how should policymakers rethink climate indicators so they better capture economic and environmental risks for firms and national energy strategies?
How does the economy of carbon capture vs cost of carbon offsets work? In the European market we are looking at 30-40 Euro/t CO2 as offset cost vs 250-500/t for the capture costs.
Given that Germany is currently investing in new gas-fired power plants to process US liquefied natural gas following the disruption of Russian energy supplies, and considering that this shift complicates Germany’s commitments under COP30, what macroeconomic policy mix could help reduce the pressure on firms while supporting the transition toward a more sustainable energy system?
I am in Mumbai, India and I think I should also ask, most of fashion’s emissions sit in Tier 2 and Tier 3 supply chains, far from consumer markets. How can COP30 help accelerate decarbonization financing and technology adoption in these upstream regions, especially in the Global South?
Often underrepresented in climate policy, what policy shifts or cross-industry collaborations do you believe are essential for ensuring fashion is meaningfully integrated into COP30’s climate agenda?
Hello and welcome to today’s McKinsey Live: “Reflections on COP30: Signals for climate action in 2026”. We’ll get started in ~8 minutes. Feel free to drop into the chat where you’re joining us from today.
I would add that Supply Chains Network Design is key to evolution of sustainability. Congrats and thank you!
Consumer awareness and communication should also remain a key part of the digital, ESG and EPR transition. It’s great to see so much work taking place around physical infrastructure, product development, investment, and sustainable resources, but an emphasis should always have a focus on consumers and the workforce - beeing at the heart of any transition. A key focus should also keep any displacements aswell as social and economic impacts at the forefront.