Reflecting on these experiences has made it clear that achieving true sustainability requires us to confront some uncomfortable truths, both within the industry and in society at large. The reality is that the global commitment to the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C, is increasingly out of reach. The promises of achieving "net-zero" emissions by 2050, while maintaining an energy-intensive economy and pursuing continuous growth, are neither realistic nor honest. This disconnect between ambition and reality became starkly apparent when the Science Based Targets initiative removed around 500 corporations from their validation process and demanded that others revise their climate mitigation plans. The message is clear: what was once marketed as achievable is now being exposed as overly optimistic and, in some cases, entirely unfeasible.
Looking ahead, it’s crucial to acknowledge that we are falling short of our ambitious goals. For instance, Sweden recently abandoned its near-term climate targets for 2030, and public data from major tech companies shows almost no progress in reducing emissions from production. In some cases, companies continue to pursue growth targets within a linear business model that leaves little room for supporting climate objectives.

This suggests that we may soon find ourselves grappling with new financial realities, such as de-growth scenarios and the impending implementation of carbon taxation. Moreover, the need to curb consumeristic behavior is becoming increasingly urgent. The challenges we face extend far beyond Europe, the U.S., and the Global North; ultimately, it is our way of life that lies at the heart of the crises we confront. We cannot continue to consume as we have in the past, and the consequences of this unsustainable lifestyle are rapidly catching up with us.

The current situation is dire. Climate data and projections are not aligning with the optimistic goals set out in international agreements. Reports like the one from PwC in 2023 highlight not only the impending scarcity of critical resources but also the potential for the total depletion of several key minerals within this century. These challenges are not just environmental—they are geopolitical as well. The Global South bears the brunt of climate change, while the Global North's reliance on imports of critical materials underscores a troubling dependency that could lead to further exploitation and conflict over resources. The industry’s efforts to address these issues, particularly in regions like Congo, Madagascar, and China, are inadequate. The environmental impact is devastating, and the social consequences are equally tragic.