This article presents an unprecedented business opportunity emerging from the transition of societies and economies in cities towards net zero. With cities responsible for more than 60 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), Wang and Kalra (ICE, 2021)1 propose that “as a minimum, 80 per cent of the reduction targets should be achieved by tangible mitigation measures rather than offset by an equivalent amount of CO2 absorption”, with such targets embedded into policy and legislation, as well as comprehensive transition plans for practical action.
In the further recommended that to fully recover from the aftermath of the pandemic, future growth should be green, resilient, and inclusive (GRI), by making efficient use of resources, being able to withstand (natural and human-made) shocks and stresses, and benefiting a wide range of social groups, including the most economically and socially vulnerable. Any tangible actions towards net zero would therefore be more economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable if they were fully aligned with the above GRI principles.
