Business as Usual Doesn’t Exist Anymore
From left to right: Another Tomorrow’s Head of Sustainable Impact, Lisa Stenvinkel, and CEO, Staffan Ekholm as well as the brilliant panelists Jacob Chavara, Ulrika Jardfelt, and Åsa Löfgren.
On February 6th, Another Tomorrow hosted an engaging and timely panel discussion on "The Trump Question: Is There Still a Green Agenda?" with a brilliant panel of experts within climate economics, energy and environmental policy and international relations.
Our CEO, Staffan, reflected on the discussion’s key takeaways shaping the path forward for businesses, policymakers, and climate advocates alike:
1. The Market Moves Faster Than Politics
Regardless of political shifts, businesses and investors are already deeply embedded in the green transition. Market forces - driven by consumer demand, cost efficiencies, and risk mitigation - continue to drive the transition forward. The economics of clean energy and low-carbon solutions are too compelling to ignore.
2. Strong Policies Make Strong Markets – Even Under Threat
While markets may lead, policy remains a crucial accelerant or barrier. Former President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has unleashed unprecedented private investment into green industries. A rollback of these policies could create uncertainty, but many businesses have already committed too much to reverse course entirely.
3. Europe and the Rest of the World Will Push Forward
Even if U.S. policy were to shift away from climate priorities, other global players - particularly the EU and China - are continuing to advance stringent climate policies and invest in green technologies. Businesses operating on a global scale will have to align with these frameworks regardless of U.S. politics.
4. The Pragmatic Approach Wins
Fear-based narratives dominate election cycles, but what resonates most in business is pragmatism. Companies focusing on profitability, resilience, and long-term value creation see the green transition as an opportunity rather than a cost. This practical approach ensures that the green agenda remains alive – politics aside.
5. Adaptability is the Best Strategy
Rather than react with panic, companies should focus on adaptability. A changing political landscape is inevitable, but those who embed innovation as a core part of their business strategy will be best positioned to thrive, no matter what happens in Washington.
The Bottom Line
The green agenda is no longer just a political stance – it’s an economic reality. While policy shifts may create turbulence, the fundamental drivers of the transition remain intact. The smartest organisations will stay the course, ensuring they are prepared for whatever comes next.
The panelists
Åsa Löfgren – Associate Professor at the Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg and University Fellow at Resources for the Future in Washington, DC. Expert in climate economics, with a focus on the design and impact of climate regulation and green industrial policy.
Jacob Chavara – Policy Advisor and Expert in International Relations, Energy Security, and Sustainability with over a decade of experience advising the U.S. Federal Government, international organisations, and the private sector.
Ulrika Jardfelt – Founder and Partner at Conatus Energy & former Senior Executive VP for Heat at Vattenfall. Ulrika brings extensive expertise in energy, climate, and environmental policy, as well as deep understanding of energy markets.
