In an unprecedented breakthrough, the industry sectors with greater difficulties in reducing their environmental impact emissions by 0.9% between 2022 and 2023, according to the report. Net-Zero Industry Tracker 2024However, the transition to a more carbon-free economy faces financial, technological and political obstacles that threaten to slow progress.
The report reveals that emissions intensity declined by 4.1 % over the past four years, with an accelerated decline of 1.2 % by 2023. Industries such as aluminum, cement, chemicals, aviation and trucking managed to decrease their emissions intensity by 4.1 % in the last four years, with an accelerated decline of 1.2 % by 2023. environmental impactemissions, but almost half of the required reductions still depend on technologies that are not commercially viable.
One of the main challenges is financing. It is estimated that an additional US$30 trillion is required by 2050 to sustain the transformation of these sectors. However, the tight profitability of companies makes it difficult to absorb these costs without affecting their financial stability.
Lack of infrastructure is also critical. Currently, the capacities of hydrogen y carbon sequestration (CCUS) only cover less than 1% of the sector's needs, which slows down the adoption of large-scale sustainable solutions.
According to the report, the use of generative AI could improve capital efficiency by 5% to 7%, leading to a $1.5 to $2 trillion reduction in investment costs. However, its high energy consumption could generate competition for the clean electricityaffecting the very sectors it seeks to optimize.
In spite of technological advances, the demand for sustainable products emissions remains low due to high costs and lack of global carbon standards. It is estimated that the price of low-emission materials could increase by 40% to 70%, making market adoption difficult.
On the other hand, climate policies remain fragmented. Although there are 75 carbon pricing mechanisms, they cover only 24% of the world's total emissions. In addition, trade protectionism, with tariffs on green products, makes the transition even more expensive.
The report warns of a dangerous stalemate. Businesses, governments and consumers are waiting for others to take the lead, slowing change. To move forward, a collaborative approach is crucial, aligning supply and demand, overcoming economic barriers and fostering global cooperation.
Industry has demonstrated that emissions reductions are possible, but the speed of change will be critical. Without investment, infrastructure and political will, the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 remains a titanic challenge, the paper stresses.
Source: World Economic Forum
