The World Economic Forum reports that a significant group of countries has pledged to by 2030, “end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.” That sounds like a tall order and admittedly, you have to be a bit of an optimist to imagine that those goals will be reached by that fast-approaching date. But even the more pessimistic (or ‘realist’ if you prefer) of those among us shouldn't throw in the towel. Some huge opportunities on the horizon have more than a little potential to significantly push the planet towards greater eco-sustainability, while at the same time providing more than enough profit for companies and investors – profits, which hopefully will then be further invested into developing ever more ideas and tech to create a virtuous cycle. Investments in biomanufacturing are building upon established bioscience, and startups are pushing all sorts of new low carbon solutions that are often proving to be both viable and cost-effective. These include sustainable manufacturing processes in biochemicals and fuels, biopharmaceuticals, and of course, foods.

Cow in mountainsThe largest sector that may turn out to be a literal cash cow could be all things vegan. The vegan food world is turbocharging. People used to roll their eyes when a product would be described as “vegan meat,” but that's not the case anymore as even top celebrity chefs are reporting that new high-tech iterations of so-called ‘alternative meat’ – some of which is printed with a 3D printer – are game-changers that have so closely imitated the textures and tastes of meat that some may not be able to tell the difference. If a vegan kebab looks, tastes, smells, and even cooks like an ordinary kebab… is it not a kebab? The answer for most people appears to be yes. The list of companies rolling out ‘vegan’ editions of their products grows by the day. Tesla, Polestar, BMW, and Ford, for example, are just a few of numerous carmakers offering ‘vegan’ options. Porsche has a 100% vegan interior option for one model, and the floor of the vehicle is made from recycled fishing nets. Nearly half of the plastic found floating around our oceans is old fishing nets, so the idea is almost a perfect definition of win-win. Porsche also says that the new vegan interior produces 80% less CO2 than a leather version. Aside from luxury cars, there are big developments in vegan lifestyle products such as luxury handbags. Hermès now has a faux leather handbag made out of a type of fungus, while Nike is using ‘pineapple leather’ that's 100% sustainable and provides Filipino pineapple farmers with additional sources of revenue. Vegan, biofriendly, chemical-free cosmetics are also racing forward and promise to become sources of major revenue for both old and new manufacturers.

Many nations around the world are investing heavily in the journey to ‘net zero.’ China, long an example of some of the worst practices in polluting manufacturing, is fast on its way to becoming a leader in the new sustainable economy. Expect some incredible breakthroughs from China over the next five years in energy production and carbon capture as the Middle Kingdom has put in the work and looks set to soon reap the benefits. And yes, it must be acknowledged that it's easier to enact changes in a non-democratic one-party state, but China is at least moving in the right direction. The other big area to look out for is not a new idea and goes back to the idea of microfinancing and credit unions or community development banks with specific missions of serving lower or middle-income communities, and helping lift them out of poverty or the so-called ‘middle-income trap.’ Charging a tiny amount of interest on tiny loans might not sound like a money maker but when scaled, for example, India and China together having perhaps close to a billion people who might sign up – the numbers add up. 

According to the 2020 Report on US Sustainable and Impact Investing Trends, by the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment or US-SIF, “as of year-end 2019, one out of every three dollars under professional management in the United States—$17.1 trillion—was managed according to sustainable investing strategies.” That's impressive but still has much room for growth. As the US-SIF also notes, “A number of studies have found that investors do not have to pay more to align their investments with their values, or to avoid companies with poor environmental, social or governance practices.” Whether jumping on the vegan trend, investing in biotech or putting money into sustainable investment funds, there is capital to be made from making the world a better place, as cliché as that term may be. There's no reason why your dollars can't make you more dollars while also aiding in sustainability and eco goals.