Top business leaders issue an expletive-laced message on the green backlash

Core Viewpoint - Business leaders at the World Economic Forum are advocating for continued commitment to climate action, arguing against the backlash to Europe's green transition as an "aberration" [1][2][6] Group 1: Business Leaders' Perspectives - Allianz CEO Oliver Bäte emphasized the importance of maintaining energy transition targets and criticized short-term thinking regarding net zero, labeling it as "bulls---" [2][3] - Bäte stated that Allianz has reduced its energy consumption by over 40% and advocates for setting realistic targets rather than rigid deadlines [3] - Andrew Forrest, founder of Fortescue, suggested moving towards "real zero" by 2040 instead of net zero, arguing that the focus should be on stopping fossil fuel use entirely [7][9] Group 2: Political and Economic Context - Concerns are rising that businesses are retreating from climate action in favor of competitiveness, with political support for net zero appearing to wane [6][15] - EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra acknowledged that there are increasing pockets of skepticism regarding net zero policies, although he stressed the importance of addressing CO2 emissions [15][16] - Joe Kaeser, chairman of Siemens Energy, highlighted the need for collaboration with customers to develop pathways to achieve net zero, focusing on technology and innovation rather than regulation [18][19] Group 3: Global Perspectives on Energy Transition - Bäte pointed to China as a role model for balancing investments in both renewable and fossil fuel technologies [2] - Forrest criticized the U.S. approach to fossil fuels under the Trump administration, advocating for a more balanced investment strategy in energy technologies [10][13] - The trend towards renewable energy is seen as increasingly favorable, with Forrest asserting that renewable energy is becoming more cost-effective compared to fossil fuels [12][13]