Economic behaviour is, for better or worse, a numbers game. The quantification of human relationships is one way for mankind to convince itself that its arbitrary values have external, objective significance. It’s the kind of thing a social Darwinist can point to, to try to justify exploitation and egotism. It’s what a game theorist can use to mathematically derive the Golden Mean. It’s what drives an immensely complex network of interlocking, interacting numerical systems like the global economy. So it’s interesting to see what one of that system’s presiding geniuses is putting into its own numbers game. Goldman Sachs has just released an update on its sustainable finance commitments, including new initiatives in the sustainability area. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Solomon points out that Goldman has already committed, as of just over a year ago, US$750 billion by 2030 in financing, investing, and advisory activity to nine areas focused on climate change and inclusive growth. He says the company is now “expanding our operational carbon commitment to include our supply chain, targeting net zero carbon emissions by 2030”.