When Prince George becomes king, part 3

Prince George is being christened this week. What will the future look like in 65 years when he hypothetically becomes king? In our last glimpse into the crystal ball, we look at one of today's biggest question marks: climate change.

 

Part 3 – Will George have a green future?
 
 

Changing technologies and new mobility habits will be good news for the environment, but there is still much to do. That is why sustainability is close to the heart of George's grandfather. Prince Charles has been involved in environmental causes for over 40 years, and he works today to balance his carbon footprint and promote green energies. Even his Aston Martin, which became famous as William and Kate’s wedding mobile, runs on a fuel "made from wine wastage and a cheese by-product", according to the Prince of Wales’ website.
 

Nevertheless, the climate change we are experiencing today will probably continue to some extent. Even though other pollutants in the air may decrease, by 2078 the concentration of CO2 could be well above 550 parts per million (ppm), compared to 400 ppm today. Due to the combination of thermally induced bleaching events, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise it is likely that coral reefs in many areas would start to dissolve with large implications for many fish species.
 

In the summer of 2003, Europe experienced record high temperatures that could become the norm by the summer of 2078. "That may be good news for sunbathers on the Thames, but some other effects might be less pleasant for our descendants," says Dr. Markus Stowasser, a meteorologist in Allianz Re's catastrophe research and development unit. Losses in the UK due to flooding for example could increase by 14 percent, and on the European continent they could rise up to 70 percent.

Prince Charles has been a strong advocate of climate protection for decades.
Prince Charles has been a strong advocate of climate protection for decades.
The climate will be warmer. That may be good news for sunbathers on the Thames, but the other effects could be less pleasant.

The climate will be warmer. That may be good news for sunbathers on the Thames, but the other effects could be less pleasant.

Sustainability: A cause fit for a king
 

However, in response to both climate change and the demand of our ever larger population, world energy use is already changing dramatically today. By 2078, the share of fossil fuels will certainly have gone down compared to alternative energies. Some of the first major economies like Britain will be getting their electricity almost exclusively from renewable source, with these countries leading the world in efficient use of wind, solar, bio and hydroelectric energy.
 

It is also conceivable that despite its huge population, humanity may use up to a quarter less energy, due to advances in technology and efficiency. All over the world, people will have understood the need to use energy wisely and sparingly. They will also be attuned to producing less CO2 as they see the effects on the climate.
 

It is therefore essential that today’s attempts to develop a low-carbon economy are part of a long-term sustainable strategy. All industries must continue to set climate targets to further reduce the human carbon footprint on planet earth. Humans do learn, after a time. Perhaps just as Europeans finally sought lasting peace, the international community will one day work together for a healthier planet. It would be a great cause for George to champion one day, as prince and as king.
 

P.S. Predictions are always a tricky business, especially over so long a time span. Clear as some trends are today, future developments may take them in a totally new direction. Whatever the future may bring, we wish little Prince George and all of his family long and healthy lives.

Perhaps one day humanity will learn to work together for a healthier planet. That would be a cause fit for a king.
Perhaps one day humanity will learn to work together for a healthier planet. That would be a cause fit for a king.
Whatever the future may have in store, we wish Prince George and his entire family a long and healthy life.

Whatever the future may have in store, we wish Prince George and his entire family a long and healthy life.

As with all content published on this site, these statements are subject to our Forward Looking Statement disclaimer:

 

Nikolai Tewes
Allianz SE
Phone +49.89.3800-4511
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Katerina Piro
Allianz SE
Phone +49.89.3800-16048
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