Leading Voices in Global Sustainability
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Marco Voigt
Co-Founder, Greentech Festival
10 Questions to Change The World
February 2022
How do you think climate change and the global sustainability agenda will
impact your industry over the next 3-5 years?
Sustainability is on top of each CEO’s list. At Greentech Festival, we break down the “buzzword” into concrete action points in order to get a better understanding of how technology and innovations will drive sustainable action.
What have you observed as being the biggest issues for organisations ability
to transform into a more sustainable operation?
Top down will not work in most of the companies. A common goal and striving for sustainability is needed. Best practice from across all industries are needed. Nearly all companies are facing the same challenges, so not everybody has to find a singular solution.
A common goal and striving for sustainability is needed.
Why have you embraced sustainability in your professional career?
At the beginning, it was more of a coincidence. Like 20 years I’ve worked for several German ministries. At this time, the former German Minister of Environment asked me for a study about e-mobility. While deep diving into this topic, I’ve got more and more curious and excited. So many possibilities, so many solutions.
What are some of the wins you have achieved in your career to date?
Don’t be afraid of big corporates, they are the ones that need new ideas and perspectives the most.
I would say to indicate the connection of sustainability through technology and that green innovations can fight climate change. Only the Green Awards have brought so many projects to light within the last 15 years. One of the Green Award winners was Elon Musk with Tesla, when hardly anyone knew what he was doing.
What do you want to have achieved before you retire?
The global economy should not only discuss sustainable solutions, but economic activities have to be sustainable in total.
What advice would you give for organisations looking to start or advance on their sustainability journey?
Don’t be afraid of big corporates, they are the ones that need new ideas and perspectives the most. You don’t have do to everything perfectly right from day one. Don’t work with people that question the need for change.
Who do you go to for inspiration in this space?
You don’t have do to everything perfectly right from day one. Don’t work with people that question the need for change.
Absolutely listening to music. And I really mean it. Bands like a-ha, Johnny Hates Jazz, Tears for Fears or U2 have a good sense for what’s wrong in the world. I try listening to them and adapt it for my daily work.
- Greentech Festival Exhibition-
How do you offset your own footprint?
First of all reducing it to the necessary minimum, then offsetting with our partner myclimate. Every single step into the right direction helps. And there is never 100%, so don’t aim for it. Just improve on a daily basis.
What is your one ‘guilty / non-eco’ pleasure? (that you can’t live without)
I love to drive motorcycles, even I’ve already enjoyed the ride on e-bikes.
If you had to choose one person to lead the world in sustainability, who would it be and why?
I’m pretty sure there’s not only one person. It needs everyone. The power of the people. Together we’re stronger. Together we change.
"If working apart we are a force powerful enough to destabilise our planet, surely working together we are powerful enough to save it. In my lifetime I have witnessed a terrible decline. In yours you could - and should - see a wonderful recovery.”
-​ Sir David Attenborough