A lot of people in the sustainability field, whether as consultants, advocates, or managers are asking themselves: How will the new presidential administration in the U.S. affect the “green” economy?
In the months leading up to his inauguration, the incoming president called climate change a “hoax,” announced plans to dismantle the EPA, and vocally denounced U.S. participation in the Paris Climate Accords.
Although it is disconcerting, dangerous, and misinformed to marginalize global climate change, we are fairly certain that corporations engaging in meaningful sustainability strategy, renewable energy innovation, and green investing across global markets will continue to rise.
Business itself is driving much of the demand for renewables. Consumers want sustainable products. Innovators are always looking for the newest mousetrap. And in our wired world, innovation means more energy efficiency across industries from national defense to personal electronics to keep costs down and power up.
The Renewable Energy Sector Will Continue to Grow
In fact, three of the incoming cabinet members have already distanced themselves from the official White House positions. The marketplace and our international partners and competitors are seeing the advantages of investing in renewable energy, from decreased energy dependency to creating new jobs.
Whether or not the president changes his mind on climate change or sustainability, the market will continue to drive us toward a greener future. Sustainability is the driver of innovation in 2017, and there’s no going back on that.