Abstract: The Race to Net Zero: Between Climate Destruction and Economic Prosperity

This paper examines the critical relationship between climate action and economic stability, arguing that the transition to a low-carbon economy represents both an environmental necessity and a significant economic opportunity. Despite decades of international climate agreements, global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise while climate impacts intensify worldwide.

The analysis reveals a substantial gap between declared emission reduction targets and actual implementation, demonstrating that existing technologies can achieve the majority of required emission reductions by 2050. The study shows that rapid decarbonization is not only compatible with economic growth but essential for preventing catastrophic economic losses from climate damages.

The author argues that climate crisis management is fundamentally economic risk management, both globally and locally. While climate inaction poses severe economic threats through extreme weather events and systemic disruption, the transition to renewable energy and clean technologies offers unprecedented economic opportunities, as evidenced by countries that have successfully decoupled emissions from economic growth.

The paper concludes that achieving Net Zero by 2050 requires coordinated action from policymakers, businesses, and civil society, with clear carbon pricing mechanisms and strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure. The author recommends viewing the low-carbon transition not as an economic burden but as a pathway to sustainable prosperity, emphasizing that the choice is between costly climate damages and profitable climate solutions.

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Author: Yoni Sapir, CEO of Future Climate Innovation Company