Watch the event recording here.

Climate and energy are inextricably linked. The climate emergency is more urgent than ever, especially with the increase of extreme weather events. The world is also facing an energy security crisis that has ripple effects across multiple dimensions  such as economics, geopolitics and technology. Although at times climate and energy action can undermine each other due to the different incentives and timelines at play, transitioning to renewable energy synergizes across both, contributing to climate change mitigation while improving resilience. As many make the choice to resort to fossil fuels to stave off crises, we are also seeing the suffering brought about by the impacts of climate change.

It is clear that urgent action is needed on all fronts.

Crucially, and the question this panel discussion aims to address, is what actions need to be taken at a global, national or local level to ensure both climate and energy crises can be tackled in the long term? How have incentives for various actors, including funders, national and local governments, the private sector and communities, changed? What is the role of innovation in overcoming these challenges, whether through innovative policies, financing approaches or technologies?

Speakers:

Joseph Oganga, Chief Officer, Department of Energy and Industrialization, Kisumu County Government, Kenya, panelist

Kung-Yueh Camyale Chao, Executive Director of International Climate Development Institute, Chinese Taipei, panelist (TBC)

Rana Adib, Executive Director REN21, panelist

Vaughn-Xavier Jameer, Senior Chapter Associate, Student Energy, panelist

Maryke van Staden, Director of ICLEI’s Bonn Center for Local Climate Action and Reporting (carbonn Climate Center), moderator

Rohit Sen, Head of Sustainable Energy, ICLEI World Secretariat, introduction