Just twenty years ago, about 4% of global energy grid was powered by renewable sources. Today that number is 30% and is headed to reach 50% by the end of the decade. Innovation in wind and solar, coupled with conservation measures focusing on efficiency and software, are ensuring that global energy needs are met as our overall environmental impact diminishes. There are exciting opportunities in this space as an investor and it’s a pillar in the winwin EarthLink investment strategy.

By 2050, global waste production will increase by 70%. With most of the world’s population living in cities, this means an opportunity to capture waste-material that’s already centralized, converting it into new, repurposed products. A cycle, rather than a straight line ending in a landfill. With 80% of all ocean plastics originating from one industry and just five rivers — alternatives to existing processes and materials can make an enormous difference rapidly. 

Experts are anticipating a world-changing water distribution crisis with only 60% of the world’s potable water needs being met by 2030 unless we capitalize initiatives by $7.5 trillion. As governments commit such resources, that’s a huge opportunity for business and for investments. From desalination plants to delivery systems and atmospheric capture, the leaders in these new systems will be getting the contracts to build new infrastructure and save lives.

To meet global nutrition needs of a growing planet, we will need to increase our agricultural yields by 50% over the next three decades. Sustainable agriculture reinvents the supply chain, from land management and genetics to harvesting, packaging, and distribution models which not only increase calories to consumers, but preserve crop diversity and sequester (lock in) carbon emissions. As we transition to these new systems, that means new opportunities for suppliers.