German sociologist Jens Beckert expresses a pessimistic view of "green growth" in his book How We Sold the Future: The Failed Enterprise to Combat Climate Change. In an interview with the British Financial Times, he stated, "Unless this business model is profitable." Because the motivation of businesses is profit-seeking, executives tend to overlook future climate damages, and governments rely on taxes generated from corporate profits to support their finances—which is precisely the core of how modern societies operate.

Perhaps the recent release of two reports by the World Economic Forum (WEF) can slightly bolster his expectations. The reports found that investments in adaptation, resilience, and decarbonization can deliver tangible returns for businesses and benefit from the growing green market. The size of the green market is expected to increase from $5 trillion in 2024 to $14 trillion by 2030. Among these, sub-sectors such as alternative energy (49%), sustainable transportation (16%), and sustainable consumer goods (13%) hold significant potential, with growth rates far exceeding GDP.

Additionally, potential economic losses will compel businesses to address climate risks immediately. Over the past two decades, climate-related economic costs have quietly doubled. The ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, which erupted on January 7, 2025, serve as a recent warning. According to a January 15 report by the British Financial Times, analysts at Wells Fargo estimate that insurance claims triggered by the fires could exceed $30 billion, with economic losses reaching up to $40 billion, making it one of the most severe loss events in U.S. history. Data from the Swiss Re Institute also indicate that over the past five years, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, and floods have resulted in insurance losses exceeding $100 billion.