How technological innovation can disrupt climate change

The author asserts that disruptive innovation is the only way to address the existential threat of climate change and achieve genuine sustainability. While private sector investment is necessary, the author emphasizes the role of public investment banks, specifically the European Investment Bank (EIB), in reducing risks and mobilizing capital for breakthrough technologies. The text highlights the need for a just transition that supports vulnerable communities and invests in education to prepare the workforce for a low-carbon economy.

• Technological innovation in clean energy and low-carbon technologies is presented as the only viable method to address the scale of the climate crisis and ensure a successful transition to a green economy.
• Public investment banks, such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), are critical for mitigating the financial risks that discourage private-sector actors from investing in unproven breakthrough technologies.
• Current progress on clean energy technology is lagging; an International Energy Agency report indicates that only seven out of 45 assessed energy technologies and sectors are on track to meet the Sustainable Development Scenario aligned with the 2015 Paris climate agreement.
• The European Commission has proposed the European Green Deal to legally establish carbon-neutrality targets for 2050, aiming to make Europe a leader in clean technologies and the circular economy.
• A just transition to a low-carbon economy requires targeted support for vulnerable regions and communities, as well as investments in education and training for future generations.

APA

Fayolle, A. (2019). How technological innovation can disrupt climate change. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/how-technological-innovation-can-disrupt-climate-change/

Chicago

Fayolle, Ambroise. How technological innovation can disrupt climate change. World Economic Forum, 2019. https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/how-technological-innovation-can-disrupt-climate-change/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Fayolle |first1=Ambroise |title=How technological innovation can disrupt climate change |publisher=World Economic Forum |date=12 November 2019 |url=https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/how-technological-innovation-can-disrupt-climate-change/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{fayolle2019how, author = {Fayolle, Ambroise}, title = {{How technological innovation can disrupt climate change}}, publisher = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2019}, month = nov, url = {https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/how-technological-innovation-can-disrupt-climate-change/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }