Suma Capital took center stage at COP29 by presenting the Suma Net Zero Index (SNZI) at the Spanish Pavilion during the roundtable discussion titled “Citizens as Active Agents in Decarbonization.” The event was organized by the Government of Spain, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, and the Biodiversity Foundation.

The SNZI analyzes public attitudes toward climate action and provides a roadmap to mobilize resources for an effective energy transition. The panel explored best practices to promote sustainable behaviors, including public policies, financing, and technologies that enhance awareness and citizen engagement in climate action.

This discussion showcased Spain’s potential leadership role in the global fight against climate change. Suma Capital emphasized the critical importance of environmental impact investments as a key lever to channel resources into the energy transition.

“It is crucial to prioritize tangible and measurable impacts focused on accelerating the energy transition while avoiding greenwashing practices that divert attention from real climate needs,” stated Enrique Tombas, Chairman of Suma Capital. “Only through the effective mobilization of resources and active collaboration across all stakeholders can we bridge the gap between intention and action in combating climate change.”

The SNZI, aligning with COP29 proposals

The COP29 proposals stress the need to mobilize billions of dollars annually between 2025 and 2035 to meet global climate goals, leveraging innovative instruments for climate finance. The Suma Net Zero Index highlights that 67% of citizens see economic factors as the main barrier to adopting sustainable habits.

Based on a representative sample of 2,000 Spanish citizens, the SNZI identifies priority areas for policy and business interventions. This approach is key to bridging the gap between perception and the real impact of daily habits in areas like mobility, energy, and consumption.

According to the report, while 56% of citizens believe sustainability and economic growth can coexist, the projected reduction in citizens’ carbon footprint (3.5%) remains far below the necessary annual reduction of 7.6% required to limit global warming to 1.5 °C, as outlined by the latest data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).