Environmental issues are no longer separate from economic ones—they now lie at the core of discussions on future development and investment. At COP30, it has become evident that transitioning to a green economy is no longer optional; it is an urgent necessity.
One of the key themes this year is financing a just energy transition, especially for developing countries that require massive investments to shift from coal and oil to clean energy sources. Several international banks have announced plans to support green projects, and some countries have pledged to increase their contributions to the Green Climate Fund.
However, the real challenge remains in translating these pledges into concrete actions, while ensuring that poor nations do not fall into a trap of “climate debt.” There is also growing debate about linking global stock exchanges to the climate performance of companies—an idea that could radically reshape the global economy in the coming years.