The cost-effectiveness of decarbonization

Carbon neutral for 2050.  The Canadian goal is ambitious, but as we are all currently forced to review our processes because of the pandemic, it is also a real opportunity to change our business model to make it more respectful, efficient and resilient.

Contrary to what many might think, this shift is in no way synonymous of unemployment or impoverishment and companies that have followed can already confirm that they have gained money.  The cost of the changes that large and small businesses have made is profitable through energy savings, productivity gains through more efficient processes,  revaluation of waste materials and the creation of shorter supply chains. For example, Quebec's iron and steel sector is currently revisiting the profile of its entire production chain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their initiative is supported by the Quebec government through the green fund. The interest of this type of industry  rethinking their processes and the many government programs put in place are no incident as the results are concrete and already make a difference.  Indeed, this is a little-known fact, but currently in Quebec, the sectors with the most GHG's reduction emissions are the industrial sectors that, taken as a whole, have already exceeded the 2020 target.

While it is not always easy to adopt new processes and to rethink our ways of doing things, things are moving in Quebec and there are advantageous ways to rethink our methods and do our part to address the climate problem and strengthen our economic system.  The pandemic has raised many gaps in our society, but it has also made us more aware.  Let's hope that we will continue to put strategies in place  to review our economic plan and opt for healthier, more resilient and sustainable solutions without delay. The time is certainly  right, the results and the tools are present and the decarbonization issues, too important.

Source: Du noir au vert, Le Devoir

Photo: ledevoir.com