We all know now that climate change is very much "for real" – and the question on many people's lips is, can we slow the process down sufficiently or quickly enough to prevent a climate disaster, or is it too late?
But there is another critical question which is crying out to be answered and that is, who will pay for the massive rescue operation that earth's climate needs? Without the needed funds, the rescue will not happen.
In his latest book "Who Will Pay to Save the Planet? The $100 Trillion Question" (published by Nova Science Publishers in New York, 2022) journalist and author Anthony Rowley argues that the sums just do not add up when it comes to what is needed and what is available for tackling this truly existential problem.
We have been deceived into believing that 'soft' solutions such as ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) investing, "Green Bonds" or the $100 trillion supposedly "committed" by private financial institutions during last November's COP 26 global climate summit in Glasgow will take care of the mega-financing needs. The hard truth is different.
Nothing short of a globally-coordinated and concerted effort by governments, multilateral development banks (like the World Bank) and the world's biggest private financial institutions – a kind of new Marshall Plan – can hope to mobilize the financial and other resources needed for Operation Climate Rescue. In a fracturing global economy such an operation is looking increasingly unlikely.
Anthony Rowley is a long-established journalist and author, specialized in economic and financial affairs. He is a former Business Editor and International Finance Editor of the Far Eastern Economic Review and former Field Editor (Japan) at Oxford Analytica. Prior to moving to Asia – where he has spent some 40 years working in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo –, he worked on The Times newspaper in London.
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Dinner is served from 6:15 pm. The presentation starts from 7:15 pm. Menu: Salad with Tuna/ Pork Fillet and Ratatouille Gratin/ Today's Dessert/ Coffee or Tea with One Drink. Book Break charges are 3,000 yen/ 4,000 yen (members/ non-members) per person.
FCCJ members can sign up at the reception desk. Reservations cancelled less than 72 hours in advance will be charged in full.
Non-members can reserve at the reception desk by email (front@fccj.or.jp). Payment is in advance till Thursday, September 15, 2022. No refund is available unless the event is cancelled by FCCJ. Online attendance (via Zoom) is available at 550 yen per person. Please indicate the intention to attend online when signing up. Details on how to join online will be sent to individual emails after their reservations are confirmed.
Attendees with food restriction should inform the reception desk (front@fccj.or.jp) three days before the event. We kindly ask for your cooperation with Covid-19 prevention measures at the reception and to wear a mask in the premises.
Thank you.
(The talk will be in English)
Library, Archives & Workroom Committee