Sustainable Development Goals

Business Models as Drivers of the SDGs 🌎 Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires more than commitment—it demands viable models that integrate social and environmental value into core business operations. Across sectors, companies are already piloting and scaling solutions that contribute directly to global priorities. These include clean energy leasing for low-income areas, digital health tools for underserved populations, and inclusive platforms that connect small producers to formal markets. Access remains a common thread. Whether through vocational e-learning, low-cost water purification systems, or mobile connectivity for remote regions, business models are helping close persistent service gaps. At the infrastructure level, innovation is driving systemic improvements: smart urban planning, circular retail platforms, eco-design consultancies, and waste-to-resource processing are just a few examples of how core services can evolve. Technology is enabling scale. Traceability tools, digital marketplaces, and remote diagnostics are being applied to food systems, education, health, and employment—amplifying reach and lowering barriers. Circularity is gaining traction across product and service design. Models promoting reuse, bulk sales, and lifecycle consulting are reducing environmental impacts while tapping into changing consumer preferences. Partnership is emerging as a critical enabler. Initiatives that combine public, private, and civil society capabilities—through data sharing, co-investment, or joint governance—are unlocking new capacities. Business models aligned with the SDGs are not side projects. They represent a shift in how value is created and measured in a resource-constrained, rapidly changing world. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #SDGs

🌍 How can humanity continue to develop without destroying the foundations of life on Earth? A major new study, co-authored by the PIK - Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, charts a scientific path forward — and warns of the cost of inaction. Business-as-usual leads to ongoing deterioration in climate, biodiversity, freshwater, and nutrient cycles. But when ambitious climate policy is paired with systemic sustainability measures — like shifting to a low-meat diet, halving food waste, reforesting land, and managing water and nutrients efficiently — the damage can be halted, even reversed. By 2050, the planet can return to 2015-level conditions. By 2100, Earth systems could begin to recover significantly. 🧭 This study combines the planetary boundaries framework with integrated climate models to create a navigation system for decision-makers. At the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), we emphasize the power of climate services — turning science into actionable policy — to help countries and companies manage these risks, anticipate disruptions, and build long-term resilience. We need coordinated global action, driven by data and grounded in science. Because protecting our future means safeguarding the systems that sustain life. The tools are here. The science is clear. The time is now. https://lnkd.in/eVuR9yDu

Our century will be judged by how we choose to build, not only our cities, but the quality of life they offer and our capacity to balance progress with the planet’s limits. The built environment shapes how billions live, work, and thrive. It stands at the crossroads of challenge and opportunity, and the decisions we make today will define the legacy we leave behind.   At COP30 Brazil in Belém, the message could not be clearer : ambition is no longer enough, action must follow. And we will not be able to do it without putting people’s wellbeing at the heart of sustainable transformation.   The construction sector has a unique responsibility to lead this transition, together. That’s why Saint-Gobain created the "Sustainable Construction Observatory" in 2023: to turn collective insight into collective impact.   Today, we take a new step forward. Our "Action Paper", just released at COP30, presents 13 concrete priority actions built through a global consultation with experts, policymakers, and industry leaders. These actions target six transformative levers that can accelerate the shift toward sustainable construction worldwide, from reducing environmental impact to improving comfort, health, and resilience for all.   Among key actions to take: ➡️ Share a common and comprehensive language so decisions on health,wellbeing, footprint, resilience, and value are comparable and scalable.  ➡️ Fully integrate adaptation and resilience into planning, design, and procurement from the start -to protect both people and places. ➡️ Strengthen governance, data sharing, and skills across stakeholders.     At Saint-Gobain, our commitment is clear: to make the world a better home, one that enhances lives as much as it protects the planet.   Achieving this will take courage, alignment, and speed. But if we act with purpose and unity, the built environment can become one of the greatest forces for positive change in the world.    Read the Action Paper: https://lnkd.in/d7AP3Nmx

Over 300,000 people are expected to attend the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, but not a single one of these fans will arrive by car. Here's how Zandvoort used incentives to create the world's most sustainable sporting event (and why other events should copy their strategy) 👇 First, it's essential to understand why Zandvoort is so unique. The race track is surrounded by water, beaches, dunes, and even a natural park. It's essentially a dead end — there is only one way in and one way out. This is why race organizers banned cars altogether. Instead, they increased the frequency of trains so that one would arrive every 5-10 minutes before, during, and after the race. It's just a short walk to the track from there. Then, race organizers set up "Park & Bike" stations, allowing fans to park their cars a few miles away from the venue and then rent a bicycle to complete the final leg of their journey through the scenic dunes. The result is 40,000 bikes parked directly outside the track, with 98% of attendees arriving via train, bus, or bicycle. The only people allowed to drive into the venue (2%) were drivers, media members, team employees, and F1 personnel. But even more impressive than the Dutch Grand Prix's transportation initiative is how they eliminated waste through a gamified system. When fans arrive at the track, they are given a token that can be exchanged for a plastic cup when purchasing a drink. If you bring your plastic cup back when purchasing your second drink, you will receive another plastic cup in exchange. If you lose your cup, you will be charged 2 euros for a replacement cup. Once the race is over (and you return your last cup), you can then enter the code on the back of each token to win prizes online. This system is commonly used at other events in the Netherlands (concerts, etc.), but it helped achieve a 75% recycling rate for cups during the race. It worked so well because it gamified the recycling process with incentives. Some people held onto their cups to avoid paying the fee, while others proactively picked up trash to increase their chances of winning a prize. Think of it like this: Instead of spending money to hire hundreds of crew members to pick up trash, organizers paid fans (via prizes) to do it for them. This saved them money in the long run, but also produced better results, as people are more likely to recycle when everyone else is doing it too. Genius! P.S. Follow me (Joe Pompliano) for more sports business content! #sports #sportsbiz #linkedinsports

When Dutch Grand Prix organizers announced in 2019 the goal of going car-free, they were ridiculed: "That's impossible!” decried critics. But they’ve made the impossible possible in Zandvoort, shifting behaviour with a bold vision, targeted investment, and effective cooperation. While an F1 race is an unlikely place for a sustainable transport revolution, the event’s 110,000 daily attendees were prohibited from arriving by car. Instead, organizers executed an integrated mobility plan; resulting in 98% of fans traveling by foot, bike or public transport. By strictly applying the STOMP principles: Stappen (Walking), Trappen (Cycling), OV (Public Transport), Mobility as a Service, and Private Cars, the comprehensive and flexible strategy could be adjusted each day in response to changing weather, demand, and other external factors. Given the coastal setting, planners were worried fans would hesitate to cycle long distances in wind and rain. But they were pleasantly surprised, and pedaling through the dunes to the 45,000 popup parking spaces has become a social and enjoyable part of the race day experience. The Dutch Grand Prix’s success is attracting attention and inspiring other big events like music festivals and sport competitions. The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee visited Zandvoort in 2023 to investigate how they could apply this aspirational model during the 2024 Games. With the target of 100% sustainable mode share within reach by next year, what began as an idealistic dream has become a concrete blueprint that can be replicated everywhere. After all, changing the world always seems impossible until you roll up your sleeves and make it happen.

🌍𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 📉 Traditional methods like taxing and pricing policies often lack the support and efficacy to combat climate change effectively. Factors like resistance from Yellow Vest movements, right-wing governments, and general loss aversion hinder the implementation of effective carbon pricing policies, resulting in only about a quarter of carbon emissions being priced—and at levels that are far too low. 🚫 Instead, Social Tipping Interventions (STIs) offer a promising alternative.🌟 STIs aim to create significant behavioural shifts by targeting specific groups and pushing behaviours past a threshold where further adoption becomes self-sustaining. Here ( 👉 https://lnkd.in/en9szheq a recent article about STIs. #SocialTippingPoints are inspired by #EcologicalTippingPoints, which refer to thresholds in natural systems that, when crossed, lead to significant and often irreversible environmental changes. In contrast, social tipping points are designed to leverage these social dynamics, using targeted nudges to destabilize the status quo and promote new, sustainable behaviours. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐬 ✅ Cost-Effective: Unlike subsidies or taxes, STIs can achieve large-scale impacts with relatively low costs by focusing on specific, influential groups. ✅ High Acceptability: STIs often face less political opposition than direct taxation or stringent regulations. ✅ Scalable Impact: STIs can amplify their effects by triggering self-reinforcing changes, leading to widespread behavioural shifts without continuous intervention. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥-𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞: ☑ The transition from driving to cycling in Copenhagen, ☑ The adoption of solar energy, ☑ The rise of electric vehicles Flight shame is another example. Or BBQ-fear: emerging changes in norms. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 While promising, STIs are challenging. Various factors, including financial barriers, social inertia, and potential backlash from certain groups, can influence the effectiveness of these interventions. Moreover, the empirical evidence on the scalability of STIs is still emerging, highlighting the need for further research and field experiments. 🌟 Social Tipping Interventions offer a powerful, cost-effective strategy and depoliticised way to drive large-scale behavioural change towards sustainability, complementing traditional policies and harnessing the power of social dynamics to create lasting impact. 🌟 🌿

A global map for Earth's forgotten ecosystems Deforestation and degradation dominate headlines, yet the broader picture of the Earth's ecosystems remains murky. While the Global Biodiversity Framework ambitiously aims to protect 30% of nature by 2030, progress is hindered by fragmented and inconsistent data. Over half of the world’s ecosystems remain unmapped, leaving policymakers and conservationists to operate without a full inventory of nature's assets. Enter the Global Ecosystems Atlas, spearheaded by Yana Gevorgyan and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). This open-source initiative seeks to compile, harmonize, and visualize ecosystem data from governments, researchers, and remote sensing technologies. Announced at the UN Biodiversity Conference in 2023, its proof of concept provides a glimpse of how data integration could help transform conservation. In a conversation with Abhishyant Kidangoor for Mongabay News, Gevorgyan underscored the challenges: “Disagreements over how ecosystems are defined and mapped illustrate the scale of the task.” The Atlas team confronts fragmented national datasets and inconsistent methodologies, combining rigorous quality checks with AI-driven tools to bridge gaps. Collaboration is key, but time and alignment across stakeholders remain hurdles. The potential benefits are significant. Policymakers could use the Atlas to assess ecosystem risks, monitor conservation goals, and guide investment in nature-based solutions. By 2026, the Atlas aims to be a comprehensive tool covering ecosystems “from reef to ridge,” enabling data-driven action on climate and biodiversity crises. For all its promise, the Atlas is a means, not an end. As Gevorgyan notes, “These are just tools. The bridge between tool and action depends on collective will.” 📰 One atlas to map all ecosystems on Earth: https://lnkd.in/g9a_jSSk Images: Screenshots from the Atlas, including South Africa 🇿🇦, Italy 🇮🇹, indonesia 🇮🇩, and Brazil 🇧🇷.

A generation not waiting its turn.   Across the world, young innovators are not just adapting to technological change, they are leading it. Especially in the realm of AI, we are witnessing a powerful shift driven by youth-led ideas, ventures, and purpose.   Across sectors - from healthcare and agriculture to energy and climate - young innovators are shaping the AI revolution with purpose and urgency. What’s most striking is not just their fluency with new technologies, but their instinct to apply them toward solving complex, real-world problems.   In many parts of the world, AI is no longer confined to labs or large enterprises. It’s becoming more accessible, more intuitive and in the hands of young people, more disruptive. Youth-led AI solutions are now reducing diagnostic errors in rural health systems, transforming supply chains for farmers, helping communities predict and respond to climate risk, and closing critical accessibility gaps in education.   These aren’t isolated breakthroughs. They represent a global pattern of ingenuity. Yet, the opportunity gap remains stark:   ◾ As per UNESCO, 267 million youth between the ages of 15–24 are not in education, employment, or training. ◾World Economic Forum says the demand for AI and data skills is expected to rise by 87 percentage points globally by 2030. ◾Over 50% of the global workforce will need significant reskilling within the next year alone.    On this World Youth Skills Day, the message is clear: The future does not lie ahead—it is already taking shape in the hands of those bold enough to lead it. Empowering the next generation isn’t an act of preparation. It’s an act of recognition.    #WorldYouthSkillsDay

A month ago I was with IMD #EMBAs in Japan on program about resilience, where conversations about #population_decline seem to be everywhere. The country's fertility rate has plummeted to just 1.15 (2024) children per woman, one of the lowest in the world. It’s been declining since the 1970s. But here's what's fascinating: #fertility rates had decreased in Japan much more than Sweden for the same period. Why? New research (May 2025) by Nobel laureate economist Claudia Goldin reveals something counterintuitive: the #speed of #economic_development matters more than the level of #wealth. Japan experienced explosive economic growth from the 1960-80s. Per capita income quadrupled in just two decades. But here's the catch, #social_norms couldn't keep pace with economic reality. The result? A #generational and #gender_conflict: • Women gained education and career opportunities rapidly • Men largely maintained traditional expectations about household roles • Today, Japanese women do 3+ hours more unpaid household work daily than men • In contrast, Swedish women do less than 1 hour more than men This isn't just about childcare policies or economic incentives. It's also about what happens in #private, when societies transform faster than cultural norms can adapt. Countries that developed more gradually (like those in Northern Europe) gave men and women time to #renegotiate #household_responsibilities. The result? Higher fertility rates even with high female employment. The lesson is clear: #economic_transformation without #social_transformation creates demographic challenges that are incredibly hard to reverse. These findings are especially meaningful in the #current_context when gender equity becomes a political fault line, workplace norms continue to reward availability over care, and traditional gender roles make a come back. Walking through Tokyo's quiet neighborhoods, you can feel this tension a modern economy built on traditional family structures that no longer work for the #families (and #women) themselves. Goldin reframes the #fertility_crisis as a #macroeconomic and #cultural challenge. It’s not about persuading women to have more babies, it’s about redesigning the world so they can. Worth reading the full paper in comments #Demographics #Japan #GenderEquality #EconomicDevelopment #SocialChange

🌿💚 The New Olympic Color: Green instead of Gold!🌿💚 Five ways Paris is putting on a Green Olympics As the 2024 Olympics kicks off in the city that brought us the landmark Paris Agreement, it is no surprise that sustainability and climate action is front and center. The organizers have set the ambitious goal of halving the climate footprint of prior games and making the event a laboratory for sustainability. Here's how they're doing it: 1. Reducing Waste: Paris is making a concerted effort to minimize waste through extensive recycling programs and by utilizing biodegradable materials wherever possible. They’re also encouraging a zero-waste culture among spectators and athletes, reducing single-use plastics dramatically. 2. Using Clean Energy: The Games will be powered primarily by renewable energy sources. Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydropower are all being harnessed to ensure that the electricity powering the events is as green as possible. This shift is crucial in slashing the Games' carbon footprint. 3. Promoting Green Transportation: Public transport, electric buses, and bike-sharing schemes are being heavily promoted for athletes and spectators alike. With a robust public transit system in place, Paris aims to drastically reduce emissions from transportation. 4. Repurposing Venues: Instead of constructing new stadiums, Paris is repurposing existing venues and temporary structures. This innovative approach reduces the environmental impact of construction and leaves a lasting legacy of sustainability. 5. More Plant-Based Menus: To reduce the carbon footprint associated with food, the Olympics will feature more plant-based options. Paris 2024 is seeking to show that with innovation and commitment, major global events can be both spectacular and sustainable. These efforts are a testament to the city’s dedication to honoring the spirit of the Paris Agreement and leading the charge toward a greener future. 🌍🏅 #Paris2024 #GreenOlympics #climate #innovation #sustainability #EcoFriendly #ParisAgreement #Paris