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Antwerp, 5 December 2024
A mock-up of the hydrogen facility planned for the Stanlow oil refinery in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, England, UK. [Image: EET Hydrogen]. Obtained from https://www.glass-international.com/news/planners-set-to-approve-ps2-billion-uk-hydrogen-plant
In a recent International Business class that I attended, the guest lecturer, the Vice President of EU Affairs at Airbus, shared valuable insights into the company’s future strategy. During the discussion, it became clear that business as usual is no longer an option for major firms. Bureaucratic hurdles, growing social expectations, and mounting environmental pressures are forcing companies to rethink their operations. A striking realization emerged from the conversation: the target for most large corporations is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. For companies like Airbus, the key to achieving this ambitious goal lies in the transition to hydrogen. With their vast capital resources, these firms are uniquely positioned to be the first movers in adopting hydrogen technologies, which could redefine their industries while contributing to global decarbonization efforts.
Antwerp, 30 November 2024
Photo by Denniz Futalan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-holding-green-yellow-and-white-umbrella-standing-near-black-crt-tv-1344265/
Sustainable finance, despite its rapid growth, is at a crossroads. The sector’s credibility is being eroded by a wave of skepticism surrounding ESG practices, exacerbated by weak regulatory alignment and economic turbulence. If left unaddressed, these issues risk stalling progress just when climate finance is most urgently needed.
At the heart of the problem lies trust, or the lack of it. Investors and regulators increasingly question whether sustainability-linked instruments deliver meaningful change or merely greenwash corporate reputations. A 2023 analysis of sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) revealed that 34% of issuers missed their stated sustainability targets, raising doubts about the robustness of underlying KPIs. Worse, many issuers provided limited transparency, fueling perceptions that these instruments are more about optics than substance. The erosion of trust in the ESG bond market is reflected in a 9% decline in global green bond issuance through the first nine months of 2023, as noted in the 2023 ESG and Sustainable Finance Outlook by Moody's.
Antwerp, 23 November 2024
The infinite recognition (1963) by Rene Magritte, copyright of Rene Magritte. Obtained from https://www.wikiart.org/en/rene-magritte/the-infinite-recognition-1963
I was born and raised in a conservative society where one religion dominated the cultural norms of the entire nation. I discovered my attraction to men at an early age, as early as elementary school, just before 2010. I continued my education through to my bachelor's degree before leaving the country. Through my lens, I can share what it was like to live as a young gay man in what I experienced as a repressive society.
Antwerp, 15 November 2024
Photo by self-documentation, taken on 16/04/2023 in Pemaluan village, Sepaku, Penajam North Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
As the world gathers at COP29 in Azerbaijan to confront the ongoing climate crisis, the issue of emissions remains central to global climate policy. Representatives from around the world are examining the growing impact of emissions, particularly in developing countries, and debating strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of industrial growth. With climate change at the forefront, some argue that emissions may be an inevitable byproduct of economic development, especially for nations now scaling up their economies in ways Western countries did decades ago. However, the question arises: can emissions ever be justified, especially as the planet reaches critical environmental tipping points?
In developing countries, industrial activities have surged, often resulting in rising emission rates. According to recent data from the Global Carbon Project (GCP), these nations now contribute over 60% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Countries such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia are ramping up manufacturing, energy production, and urbanization to meet the demands of growing populations and economies. Yet, they find themselves locked in a difficult balance between growth and sustainability. This dynamic raises questions about historical accountability, as developed nations in the West once followed similar paths of industrial expansion, leading to the environmental consequences we face today.
Antwerp, 11 November 2024
Photo by Owen Sun: https://wwwpexels.com/photo/people-on-airport-terminal-in-black-and-white-16201305/
On Wednesday and Thursday mornings, I would get up early, visit the faculty to get myself a cup of tea and sit down while reading the news or whatever study material I ran behind. The class would start at 10:30 for International Business on Wednesday, and the Intro to Managing and Organizing on Thursday. Globalization happens to be an overlapping topic in these two classes, which drives the train of thoughts in my mind. It is a word that I have been hearing since I was in elementary school. One could write many things on this topic, but here I will focus on leaders/managers as the agents of globalization.
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