The path to achieving net zero by 2050 is increasingly challenging with each year’s delay, as highlighted by industry leaders on Wednesday.
“Net Zero isn’t just about climate goals; it’s the new economic paradigm. It involves reshaping our industries, energy systems, and consumption habits to align with planetary boundaries. Achieving net zero signifies orchestrating a global shift in how we energize economies, transport people and goods, construct cities, and drive growth,” stated Eugene Mayne, founder and CEO of Tristar Group, during the Journey to Net Zero – UAE 2025 conference.
Hosted by UAE’s first English daily, Khaleej Times, the conference is a leading climate action event attended by high-ranking officials from both public and private sectors. This fourth edition offered insights into regulatory frameworks, green financing, and ESG compliance.
Ted Kemp, Chief Content Officer at Khaleej Times, opened the conference with a keynote address.
The Net Zero by 2050 initiative, aligned with the Paris Agreement, aims to cut net emissions by 2050, urging nations to devise long-term strategies to curb greenhouse gas emissions and cap global temperature rise at 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
‘Our Obligation to Future Generations’
“Scientific evidence demands halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. Each delay steepens the path and heightens risk. While governments can establish frameworks, businesses must drive transformation. The private sector’s control over capital, technology, and supply chains will determine our success. This transition presents opportunities, not sacrifices,” Mayne remarked during his keynote.
“Net Zero is a promise owed to future generations. Global warming is no longer tomorrow’s issue; it’s today’s challenge. Record heat, floods, wildfires, and rising seas are clear signs of a stressed planet,” emphasized the founder and CEO of Tristar Group.
Citing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, he warned that “we’re on a highway to climate crisis with our foot on the accelerator.”
He noted that clean energy is now the most economical new power source globally. “Electric mobility is on the rise. Sustainable fuels and carbon capture are becoming realities. Simultaneously, investors, consumers, and employees demand greater climate responsibility. Early adopters won’t just survive the transition; they’ll shape future markets,” added Mayne.
Mayne expressed optimism that human ingenuity and collaboration can guide a different path.
“We must not despair but remember, as the saying goes, we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. The responsibility is immense, but so is the opportunity,” he said.
Collaboration is Key
Mayne emphasized that achieving net zero isn’t possible in isolation. “This systemic challenge requires systemic collaboration. Governments must provide clear policies, industries must innovate, financial institutions must mobilize capital, and civil society must hold us accountable. Initiatives like the UN Global Compact and sector coalitions show that progress happens when sectors unite. We must expand these partnerships, hasten progress, and broaden the scope across borders and industries,” Mayne stated.
He highlighted the need for a fair and inclusive transition to Net Zero. “We must ensure workers in carbon-intensive sectors are retrained, developing countries have access to technology and finance, and that the benefits of a green economy are shared globally. A net-zero world leaving millions behind isn’t sustainable today,” said Mayne.
In his welcome address, Ted Kemp noted the conference’s timing as sustainability shifts from aspiration to expectation.
“Net Zero isn’t a future topic; it’s today’s responsibility. Every decision we make—from transport to city planning, water conservation to energy investment—shapes future generations,” he said.
