A report out of the Environmental Defense Fund shows North Carolina is behind on meeting its own climate change goals.
“There’s a pretty significant gap based on where we’re headed … to where we want to go,” Michelle Allen, project manager for North Carolina political affairs at EDF, said in an interview.
The report, which analyzed emissions data from the Rhodium Group U.S. Climate Service, found that the state will fall short of its 2025 and 2030 climate targets without additional policies to curb emissions. The analysis finds that, as of May 2021, the state is slated to achieve a 27% reduction in economy-wide emissions by 2025, far short of the 40% target set by Gov. Roy Cooper.
But, as daunting as the gap is, there are “absolutely” business opportunities ahead, Allen said.
Alex Lassiter, CEO of Raleigh-based Green Places, is one of those who has already leapt at that opportunity. His firm helps companies calculate their carbon footprints and set reduction goals. But he said there’s plenty of room for other disruptors in the industry.
“We are witnessing what I think in 100 years will be the sustainability transition," said Lassiter, noting that closing the gap identified in the report could be a big business opportunity for innovators in North Carolina. “There’s so many things businesses need in terms of tools to reach these goals. ... And there’s not enough resources and tools. I think if you’re an entrepreneur, this is easily the most exciting space to be in.”
And it’s a space that’s creating big headlines in the state.
Just this week, Vietnamese firm VinFast announced plans to bring 7,500 jobs at a new electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Chatham County — potentially signaling opportunity to suppliers in the EV arena.
