McKinsey Report: $170 billion until 2020 to cool the planet

onAug 5, 2008 @ 16:19 PDT

The McKinsey Institute has released a new report finding that a $170 billion annual investment from now to 2020 could cut projected global energy demand in half and also get us halfway to solving the climate crisis.

Here’s the kicker, on top going a long ways to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the overall savings would from reduced energy use would be $900 billion by 2020 and none of the energy efficiency measures would require compromising the consumer’s comfort or convenience. And all this could be done with existing energy efficiency technology.

The McKinsey Report suggests three main areas need to be targeted for energy efficiency

1. Set energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment

2. Finance energy efficiency upgrades in new buildings and in remodels

3. Raise corporate standards for energy efficiency

Sounds simple. Let’s get started today.

By Emily Murgatroyd

Analysis

Q&A: Amy Westervelt on the Corporate Poisoning of the Information Aquifer — and How to Undo the Harm

ByMatthew Green

onSep 21, 2026 @ 12:34 PDT

The acclaimed climate accountability journalist says bold steps are needed to reverse the insidious impact of decades of industry propaganda on the public square.

Series: Holding the Advertising and Public Relations Industry Accountable for Greenwash and Climate Misinformation

Series: Advertising & PR Industry

Suncor Helped Lead Climate Denial Group Spreading ‘Uncertainties’

ByGeoff Dembicki

onSep 21, 2026 @ 07:18 PDT

With a U.S. Supreme Court decision looming on whether the company can be held liable for climate deception, internal documents show a campaign to question science.