The Infrastructure Podcast: Episode 40

Guest:  Chris Lewis, Global Infrastructure Leader, Government & Public Sector, EY

Infrastructure’s journey to net zero

In this latest podcast we explore the role that investment in infrastructure can play to accelerate the global journey to net zero.

So, where to start? Well, the UK National Infrastructure Commission recently highlighted the huge challenge that we face globally to decarbonise our economies – essentially pointing out that our path towards creating a truly sustainable future has only just begun. 

One clear challenge is that, despite a huge investment in renewable energy generation and efforts to manage demand, around 80% of the UK’s energy needs are still now met by fossil fuels. 

However, the NIC added that decarbonising our economies - the way electricity is generated, our homes are heated, our vehicles are fuelled and that industry is powered - is highly achievable. Provided we act now and act fast. 

It’s a massive global challenge for sure.

But it’s a challenge that, I hope, my guest will be able to shed some light on. He has just published a report titled “Closing the sustainable infrastructure gap to achieve net zero” which highlights a $64 trillion dollar global shortfall between current investment policies and those required by governments around the world to meet the $139 trillion dollar investment needed to achieve net zero by 2050. 

And the UK, he points out, is one of the countries that needs to raise its game. So let’s hear some more. It’s my pleasure to welcome Chris Lewis, Global Infrastructure Leader, Government & Public Sector at consultant EY to the Infrastructure Podcast.  

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