John will be sharing more insights on the intersection of policy, critical minerals, and local job creation during two pivotal sessions at VERGE 24 (October 29-31) in San Jose, CA.
- On October 29th, John will host a roundtable lunch discussion, “How Can Policy and Remanufacturing Enhance Critical Mineral Supply Chains and Drive Local Job Creation?”
- On October 30th, John will speak on the panel, “Reimagining Critical Mineral Supply Chains: Local Solutions for Global Decarbonization.” During this session, he’ll discuss how a localized approach to critical mineral supply chains can support the global decarbonization agenda while ensuring community resilience and equitable growth.
As the urgency of addressing climate change intensifies, industrial decarbonization has emerged as a critical lever in our efforts to mitigate global warming. For decades, the industrial sector has significantly contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, with 57 companies responsible for 80 percent of total global emissions since 2016. As we stand at the precipice of irreversible climate impacts, the challenge is not just reducing these emissions but fundamentally rethinking how industries operate within our global ecosystems.
Rethinking Industrial Models: Beyond Efficiency
The traditional industrial model, rooted in linear production processes, has long prioritized efficiency and profit maximization. While these goals have driven economic growth, they have often done so at the expense of environmental sustainability and social equity. Decarbonization offers a unique opportunity to shift from this extractive model to one that is regenerative, circular, and equitable.
This shift requires moving beyond efficiency metrics that measure success by short-term gains. Instead, we must embrace holistic indicators that account for long-term environmental impacts, community well-being, and the resilience of our ecosystems. Industrial decarbonization should not be seen merely as a technical challenge but as a chance to reimagine the role of industry in society.
Community-Centric Approaches to Decarbonization
At the heart of successful industrial decarbonization is the explicit inclusion of local communities in the decision-making process. Communities often on the front lines of industrial pollution and climate change must have a voice in shaping the future of the industries that affect their lives.
By adopting community-centric approaches, industries can ensure that decarbonization efforts are not just sustainable but also equitable. This involves engaging with local stakeholders to co-create solutions that address both environmental and social challenges. For instance, transitioning to cleaner technologies should be accompanied by initiatives that retrain workers, invest in local economies, and restore ecosystems.
The Role of Cross-Sector Partnerships
Achieving industrial decarbonization at scale requires collaboration across sectors. No single entity—whether a corporation, government, or NGO—can drive this transformation alone. Cross-sector partnerships are essential for pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise to tackle the complex challenges of decarbonization.
These partnerships should be rooted in trust and mutual respect, with each party bringing their unique strengths to the table. Corporations, for example, can leverage their technological capabilities and capital to develop innovative solutions, while NGOs can provide critical insights into community needs and environmental impacts. Governments, on the other hand, can create enabling environments through policies and incentives that support decarbonization efforts.
Innovating for a Regenerative Future
Innovation is key to industrial decarbonization, but it must be innovation that prioritizes the well-being of people and the planet over profit. This means developing new technologies and processes that reduce emissions, minimize waste, and promote circularity. It also means rethinking business models to align with the principles of regenerative economics, where value is created through restoring and enhancing natural and social systems.
For example, industries can explore circular business models that extend the life cycle of products, reduce material use, and close the loop on waste. They can also invest in regenerative practices that restore ecosystems and contribute to biodiversity. By doing so, industries not only reduce their carbon footprint but also create value that transcends traditional economic metrics.
The Road Ahead: From Decarbonization to Regeneration
The journey toward industrial decarbonization is not without its challenges. It requires a fundamental shift in how industries operate, how they engage with communities, and how they measure success. However, the potential rewards are immense—a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we keep our focus on the bigger picture. Decarbonization is not just about reducing emissions; it is about rethinking our relationship with the planet and each other. By embracing this broader vision, we can transform industries into forces for good, driving the transition to regenerative economies where all communities can thrive.
Industrial decarbonization is not an endpoint but a steppingstone toward a future where industry and nature coexist in harmony. It is a path that leads to a world where we are not merely surviving but flourishing, where economic systems are designed to sustain life, and where every action we take contributes to the regeneration of our planet.
John Holm is the SVP of Partnership Development at Pyxera Global and an expert in climate, circular/regenerative economies, and coalition-building. He is passionate about community agency and collaborative partnerships and advocates for systemic solutions that balance power dynamics and promote equitable, regenerative practices across industries.
