The article reflects on an ESG conference where bankers favored short-term investments, posing a challenge to cleantech investing and the energy transition. The clash between short-term financial interests and long-term environmental sustainability is evident, with most bankers opting for investment terms under three years despite acknowledging the importance of new energy generation methods. The discussion emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between short-term profit motives and the long-term vision for a net-zero economy by 2050. Noteworthy technologies such as fusion energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture are identified as crucial for achieving sustainability goals. Despite the significant investment required for the energy transition, banks' reluctance to engage in long-term ventures raises concerns about meeting the funding needs. The article calls for a shift in mindset within financial institutions to prioritize courage and long-term impact, urging them to align their investing parameters with the urgency of addressing climate change. It highlights the risk of inaction, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to overcome short-termism and drive meaningful change in cleantech investing for a sustainable future.