By any measure, 2016 will be remembered as a turning point for global sustainability. But a turn in what direction? The answer seemed clear in April, when the Paris Climate Conference ended with an agreement that, for the first time, committed all the world's industrial powers to substantial carbon limitations. Alongside this landmark, the year saw a rising critical mass of companies in all sectors awakening to the business case—that a commitment to sustainability can confer serious competitive advantages, not just extra costs or hurdles.  

By the end of 2016, however, the future of this  momentum seemed very much in doubt. Donald Trump's election in the U.S.—and the rise of populist politics worldwide—has brought skepticism of regulation and climate science back into the center of power. How are sustainability experts picturing this change for 2017 and beyond? Is a major backlash in the cards? Or have commercial and societal incentives already shifted irrevocably towards sustainable practices and growth?

Senior Economist Brian Schaitkin hosts a discussion touching on energy policy, renewable investment, the role of cities, and more with Thomas Singer, Principal Researcher in Corporate Leadership, and Wim Overmeer, Senior Fellow, Energy and Scenario Planning.

Indications 4 Reading List

• "4 Reasons to Be Excited About Sustainability in 2017" by Thomas Singer (GreenBiz)
• Transforming Electric Power Generation for a Low-Carbon Environment by Wim Overmeer. (The Conference Board member report) 

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