At IFGS 2025, the panel discussion titled “The Road to Net Zero: Clear and Decisive or Bumpy and Long?” explored the complexities of climate finance and the nuanced decisions necessary for sustainable progress.
The panel featured several prominent experts including Dr. Enass Abo-Hamed, co-founder of H2GO Power Ltd.; Julie Louvrier, EMEA Market Expansion Director at WeeFin; Kerstin Mathias, Policy and Innovation Director at the City of London Corporation; and Katherine Wilson, Investment Director at Illuminate Financial. The session was moderated by Jane Michotte, Chief Commercial Officer at Vested Impact.
Louvrier highlighted the relevance of climate risk for asset managers and insurance companies, emphasizing its tangible financial implications. In contrast, Wilson pointed out that climate risk often takes a backseat in her domain.
Mathias identified three key geopolitical trends affecting climate initiatives:
1. Fragmentation of supply chains.
2. A growing recognition of climate change as a matter of national security, altering its political prioritization.
3. An increasingly complex landscape within the climate finance sector.
When discussing motivators for corporate action, Wilson asserted that profitability is paramount: “Money will flow where it can be made.” She elaborated that the net-zero landscape must demonstrate both profitability and relevance, moving away from being purely a feel-good pursuit. She stressed the need for a vibrant carbon market that facilitates offsetting emissions and supports innovative energy solutions.
Abo-Hamed stressed the importance of optimized business returns and the crucial role of policy in advancing sustainability. However, she cautioned that expecting rapid change may be unrealistic.
Echoing Abo-Hamed’s sentiments, Mathias argued for coherent regulatory frameworks that support new markets and carbon initiatives. Collaboration, she stated, is essential for fostering a conducive environment for sustainable practices.
Louvrier pointed out that sustainable finance can drive net-zero outcomes by aligning capital with climate objectives. She cited the UK National Wealth Fund’s initiative to guarantee £250 million in loans for social housing improvements, thereby enhancing energy efficiency through investments in low-carbon technologies.
Wilson concluded the session by addressing the challenges companies face in balancing various stakeholder demands while striving for minimal environmental impact. She noted the complexity of decisions regarding low-carbon versus high-carbon options, underscoring the need for informed decision-making backed by sound policies.
The discussion culminated in a consensus on the necessity of nuanced thinking in sustainability, urging companies to invest the effort and resources required to reap the benefits of sustainable practices.