ClimateXChange’s Post

Kevin Johnstone and I have a working paper out about the links between energy access ⚡ and adaptation 🌸 ! I've been surprised at how few frameworks already exist to connect these vitally important aspects of climate resilient development so looking at how to create one (and now creating one... watch this space 😉 ) has been a good challenge! We're looking for a conversation - so let us know...how'd we do? What are we missing? Highlights below and link here: https://lnkd.in/eYyuMX4K

GOOD FOR SOCIETY Governments, laws, regulations, and lawmakers exist to create and maintain social order in complex societies. As populations grow, informal systems of resolving conflicts and organizing resources become insufficient, so formal structures are necessary to ensure STABILITY. Laws provide a framework for ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR, address the weaknesses in human nature, and protect citizens' rights, while regulations ensure fair and consistent practices across various sectors. Lawmakers (POLITICIANS), representing the collective interests of the people, are responsible for crafting policies that address societal needs and evolving challenges. Ultimately, these systems help prevent chaos, promote cooperation, and uphold justice within a community. What is the role of targeted regulations and public investment in a climate policy without a carbon tax? In a climate policy without a carbon tax, targeted regulations and public investment are crucial for directing behaviour toward lower emissions. Regulations like emissions standards for industries, vehicle efficiency standards, or renewable energy mandates set clear expectations for reducing carbon footprints. Is the carbon tax a left-wing, liberal, or right-wing idea? A carbon tax can be seen as politically flexible. Traditionally, it's associated with left-wing or liberal politics because it is a government intervention designed to address market failures related to climate change. However, some right-wing, market-oriented thinkers also support carbon taxes because they can be seen as a market-friendly solution compared to heavy regulation. The tax allows businesses to make choices about how to reduce emissions, theoretically creating incentives for innovation. Is the current government's carbon tax policy weakening other regulatory and public investment climate strategies? In some cases, a carbon tax can unintentionally weaken the political will for additional regulations or public investment, as it may be seen as a "catch-all" solution to climate change. A well-designed climate policy would use the carbon tax in conjunction with other strategies, such as clean energy subsidies, stricter emissions standards, and funding for innovation to maximize the carbon tax impact. How can low-carbon technologies enhance economic security and affordability? Low-carbon technologies, such as renewable energy, energy-efficient appliances, and electric vehicles, can enhance economic security by reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and decreasing long-term energy costs. Why do we need to define a new social contract for economic security to really see sustainable energy solutions take-off? A new social contract for economic security is vital because the transition to sustainable energy requires broad "social buy-in" and equitable sharing of the benefits and costs. The current economic system, which heavily depends on fossil fuels, often leaves certain communities vulnerable.

What does policy change really look like? In a Georgetown Public Policy Review podcast episode, Junior Podcast Editor Moritz Ludwig (MPP’25) sits down with Trevor Higgins, adjunct professor and senior VP of the Energy and Environment Department at the Center for American Progress, to discuss a new approach to U.S. climate policy. Tune in to gain insights into the Inflation Reduction Act, decarbonization and both domestic and international aspects of the climate legislation: https://lnkd.in/ei-aGAN3

The financial sector plays a critical role in mobilising the capital needed to reach our international climate targets 📉 A big thank you to our guests, {{linkedin_mention(urn:li:person:lvv7RR1GKF|Rune Gade Holm)}} from {{linkedin_mention(urn:li:organization:20121|PensionDanmark)}}, {{linkedin_mention(urn:li:person:cPuc1frwsU|Lars Gert Lose)}} from {{linkedin_mention(urn:li:organization:3215241|Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners)}}, and {{linkedin_mention(urn:li:person:d1CXv2ymkG|Jakob Tvede)}} from {{linkedin_mention(urn:li:organization:333240|Udenrigsministeriet)}}, for sharing their expertise on green financing in our podcast episode. The episode highlights? 💡 • Climate action demands $2-2.8 trillion annually by 2030. • Investing in the global green transition is not just imperative but also lucrative. • Danish pension funds are leading the way with their commitment to investing green. • Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners exemplifies successful integration of capital into green energy projects. • Public-private collaboration plays a pivotal role in scaling green development. Read more and listen to the episode in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/ddAaThbY

The latest episode of Climate Rising features a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges in voluntary carbon markets (VCM), recorded during Harvard Climate Action Week 2024. Hosted by Harvard Kennedy School Professor Joseph Aldy, the panel features Nathaniel Keohane from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Donna Lee from Calyx Global, UC San Diego Professor David G. Victor, and Carolyn Weinberg, formerly of Blackrock. Learn how VCMs can finance decarbonization, the role of integrity in carbon credits, and what it will take to scale high-quality projects globally. 🎧 Listen now: #VoluntaryCarbonMarkets #ClimateAction #Sustainability #NetZero #ClimateFinance

Senior Energy Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, Rob Barnett, and Senior ESG Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, Rob Du Boff, CFA recently joined me on the The Plantbased Business Hour with Elysabeth Alfano for an in depth conversation on energy and food. One topic we discussed was the connection between the clean energy transition and the food systems transformation that are both needed to combat climate change. Link to the full podcast in the comments. #energy #foodsystemstransformation #climatechange

How Can Energy Transitions Balance Growth, Decarbonization, and Human Development? Find out during this complimentary Main Stage session: https://lnkd.in/ed4FVCuA As climate change intensifies, many low- and middle-income countries face a precarious balancing act between addressing urgent climate adaptation and development needs and pursuing clean energy transitions. While these two objectives can be complementary, they also create challenging choices around meeting human development imperatives and decommissioning or avoiding fossil development. Experts who unpacked these choices, and presented energy transition strategies that put human flourishing at the center included: -Jackson Ewing, PhD, Director of Energy and Climate Policy, Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment -Alix Peterson Zwane, Former CEO of Global Innovation Fund and current Duke University Executive in Residence -Stefano Marguccio, Deputy CEO, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) -Stephanie von Friedeburg, Managing Director, Citi Bank #committoclimate #climateweeknyc #lmic #energy #energytransition

Happy New Year! As we reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, I am still thinking (and writing) about the climate leadership program I completed last fall. In this new year, I want to support a just transition to renewable energy in actions, not just words - and the way forward starts with listening and addressing concerns, not simply dictating outcomes. #radicalmoderate #ewc_leadership #indopacificleadershiplab #jfipp #JapanFoundation

I'm excited to have co-authored this article on Climate Investing in the Real Economy. I think our 4th insights is critical; we believe that examining carbon-intensive sectors to understand their pain points is critical to progress. This examination can help identify corporations that are making real progress with credible decarbonization plans and the solutions they will need. You'll find more detail on our insights in the article.

Along with some wonderful Climate Group colleagues, I had the pleasure of organizing this roundtable with Deloitte Sustainability for the #USClimateActionSummit. Read our outcomes report on 'Workforce and the Energy Transition,' and learn about the challenges and opportunities ahead in adapting the US labor market to the global clean energy transition. https://lnkd.in/daJ_PzUt