GLOBAL MEGATRENDS
Rapid technological advancements are changing the face of the global economy and how it works – what industries are next to change, and how will the entire global economic ecosystem be affected?
We believe that risk is not the reward. The rewards are driving technological or process innovations that create vibrant new markets that reduce environmental and social impacts. We see sustainable development as an enabler and believe that lifestyles of a clean environment and health will usher in a new way of life and a new generation of wealth as savvy investors and consumers “awaken” to environmental and social impacts.
“Quantum technologies are driving some of the most exciting breakthroughs of the 21st century. They are transforming how we understand the universe and paving the way for revolutionary advancements in technology.” – UNESCO, 2025
“One of my predictions is, the 2030s will see a faster rate of demise of Fortune 500 companies than we’ve ever seen. Power will accrue to those who can produce critical energy and industrial commodities at competitive prices. I call this the “Chindia price”, a cost point at which China, India and others adopt the technologies behind these because they are the cheapest without subsidy.” – Vinod Khosla, Tech Investor, 2025 (early investor in OpenAI, made $4B in 3 years).
”The world’s demand for energy will more than double by 2050. Meeting that demand will require many more energy breakthroughs, and success depends on building companies that make clean energy affordable, reliable, and cost-competitive everywhere. I’m optimistic because innovation is already delivering solutions. Through Breakthrough Energy, I see firsthand how entrepreneurs in every sector are making dramatic advances—so much so that we’re expanding our investment platform and mobilizing even more capital. I’m putting billions of my own money into it and will continue to.” – Bill Gates, Nov 2025
Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
It recommends that companies report, including in financial filings, how climate change could affect their sales and strategy and disclose emissions from their own operations and, when relevant to a company’s financial performance, emissions in their supply chain and from the use of their products.
Institutional investors with over $90 trillion in assets have indicated support for its recommendations. Large corporations, regulators and investors are increasingly putting muscle behind the TCFD. Nearly 60% of the world’s 100 largest public companies support the TCFD. The European Union has incorporated TCFD recommendations into its guidelines to help companies meet the bloc’s reporting requirements and the U.K. said in November it plans to make disclosures aligned with the TCFD mandatory by 2025.
Global Carbon Tax
51 countries have implemented carbon pricing schemes, and 88 countries have stated their intent to implement as part of their national climate policies. It is estimated that achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires a carbon price of US$40-$80/tCO2 by 2020, rising to US$50-$100/tCO2 by 2030. Sweden which has the highest carbon price at US$139/tCO2 is a success story.
“Carbon prices vary widely across existing schemes. Success stories such as that of Sweden – which currently has the highest carbon price in the world at US$139/tCO2 – demonstrate that it is indeed possible to make carbon pricing work: While the Swedish economy grew by 60% since the introduction of the Swedish carbon tax in 1991, carbon emissions decreased by 25%.”