DOES YOUTH HOLD THE KEY TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE? LESSONS FROM BORDEAUX, LONDON, AND HANNOVER.

As we celebrate Earth Day 2024, I find myself reflecting on an exchange I had with my son some time back. Amidst conversations about the profound global climate challenges we face, he proclaimed with unwavering certainty: “Technology will fix it". What struck me was his steadfast confidence in the power of technology to address the world's most pressing issues—almost like a versatile Swiss army knife, ready to tackle any challenge at hand. 

In my role as EMEA President at ServiceNow, I consistently see the remarkable power of technology to overcome business hurdles, enhance processes, increase efficiency, productivity, and advance corporate objectives and growth. However, realizing corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) ambitions often encounters obstacles. Some recurring challenges voiced by our customers are cultures resistant to change, complexity, and the lack of expert partnerships.  

In my recent travels to Bordeaux in France, London in the UK, and this week in Hannover, Germany, I’m reminded of the vital role of strategic vision, innovation, and collaboration in addressing our global environmental challenges.  

A bold vision transforms culture  

The city of Bordeaux in France is pioneering a paradigm shift in urban sustainability, setting an ambitious target to achieve energy positivity and carbon neutrality by 2050. Leveraging innovative digital solutions, the city is streamlining its operations to minimize environmental impact, while maximizing citizen engagement. With 1,600 centralized digital services now available to its 850,000 residents, Bordeaux Métropole is not just revolutionizing citizen experiences, but also leading the charge in environmental stewardship. This bold vision serves as a catalyst for building an empowered, sustainable, and innovative culture amongst its citizens.  

Overcoming complexity with action 

In the UK, National Grid is leading change by tackling complexity with decisive action. Their commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with an 80% reduction by 2030, has spurred investments of £30-35 billion over the next five years. These investments prioritize critical infrastructure and the innovations necessary to meet their targets, including the integration of ESG Management and Integrated Risk Management solutions. This strategic approach ensures regulatory compliance and fosters transparency throughout the organization, setting a noteworthy example for the industry. 

Building partnerships towards a common goal 

At Hannover Messe in Germany, the importance of collaborative partnerships is evident. Alliances involving government, industry, and research institutions facilitate the exchange of expertise and resources, accelerating progress towards sustainability. As part of ServiceNow commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, engaging and training stakeholders stands as a pivotal focus area. A fitting example of partnership for expertise exchange is with Glacier, who we collaborate with to enhance employee awareness through initiatives like ServiceNow Climate Hours, an event that harnesses knowledge and expertise from experts. 

Reflecting on my son’s unwavering belief in the power of technology to solve our most pressing challenges, I am moved by the commitment of his generation to seek simplicity in the face of complexity. What is truly inspiring about youth is that it already holds the promise of a bold vision, an action-oriented mindset, and a collaborative spirit. It is for this reason that one can simply say, “Technology can fix it.” As we strive to make our planet sustainable let’s draw lessons from diverse places and navigate the challenges with the certainty and fearlessness of this next generation.