T20 Indonesia 2022 Policy Brief:

A climate change investment treaty amongst carbon-critical countries

The unprecedented investment gap in energy transition requires an additional US$2 trillion/year more investment in energy systems. This investment must be focused on carbon-critical countries if the world is to see change at the required scale and pace. A growing number of private and public investors are persuaded, but they lack the certainty necessary to justify taking the economic and political risks inherent in energy-transition investment. This paper proposes a novel approach to a proven concept of more than 3,000 investment treaties currently operational: a Climate Change Investment Treaty, focused on protecting carbon-critical investment in carbon-critical countries to help navigate the wicked problem that is energy transition.
Posted in Business & Society, Climate Change, Editorial, Energy |
Opinion at the Jakarta Post

G20 must drive massive and targeted investment ramp-ups amidst multiple crises

The G20 summit of 2022 has their work cut out. In our view this concerns restoring trust in the SDG-agenda and nurture its potential to align state policies for sustainable development and corporate strategies in support of the SDGs.  Before the leaders leave the Island of Gods, every communique they convey to the world will have bearings on investment decisions globally – and many would pray towards a more resilient world. After all, businesses cannot thrive in a society that fails and societies cannot be resilient where businesses blunder.
Posted in Business & Society, Editorial |
Contribution to OECD public consultation on investment treaties and climate change:

Simplifying the Pathway to 2030; an investment treaty exclusively for climate-related investment

This post provides a link to the full document of OECD public consultation on investment treaties and climate change. This (co)author's contribution is on page 103.
Posted in Business & Society, Climate Change, Energy |
Opinion at the Jakarta Post:

De-risking climate investments in energy transition

The problem of attracting sufficient investment for energy transition is enormously complex. The global energy system comprises the largest and most expensive infrastructure built over centuries of investments across the chain, and we now only have a very short window to transform it. For this endeavor to succeed, investments in energy transition need to be significantly de-risked.
Posted in Business & Society, Climate Change, Editorial, Energy |
Opinion at The Jakarta Post:

Indonesia can lead G20 in sustainable energy transition

It may feel a bit like a strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde when we speak highly of green energy and energy transition whilst at the same time scramble to secure coal supply. In the early weeks of 2022, the Indonesian government had to take measures to ensure that (coal-fired) electricity is not […]
Posted in Business & Society, Climate Change, Editorial, Energy | Tagged |
“Fratelli Tutti”:

Stark reminders to be (much) wiser in the digital age

It is remarkable that an organization that has been around for two millennia is able to deeply reflect on contemporary matters – with great relevance. The Catholic church is certainly not without flaws and its doctrines have not always been “wise” by many standards. Nevertheless, Pope Francis’ third papal letter or encyclical, “Fratelli tutti” (=”All […]
Posted in Contemplations, Editorial |

Merit-based vs. Populistic Government?

A hypothesis: A merit-based government could be perceived less successful in good times because it does not give what the people “want”, but protect their “needs”. Whereas in times of crisis, the merit-based government is able to deliver what the people truly needs.
Posted in Business & Society |

Covid-19: leadership in convening the right experts

In the complex “war” against Covid-19, the wisdom of promptly allocating finite resources can only be achieved if leaders assemble and listen to credible experts. The leaders’ humility to admit lack of comprehension is a critical step towards saving humanity.
Posted in Business & Society | Tagged |
“Sexy Killers” documentary:

Cleaning-up Civilization’s Combustion Chambers

Most of us in a modern society take electricity and clean air for granted. An hour of blackout and we will scramble to charge our mobiles, complain about the dysfunctional air conditioning, or missing a favorite television show. We feel we are entitled for the electricity services because we duly pay our monthly dues. As […]
Posted in Business & Society, Editorial, Indonesia |