Renewable Energy – A Key Milestone on the Road to Net-Zero
Some of the largest GHG emitting nations have announced ambitious targets like net-zero emissions, carbon-neutrality, etc. Local governments around the world have taken action advancing transition to renewable energy as a response to this challenge. They have recognised the potential of renewable energy use, including to improve public health and well-being and local economic development. Cities are especially global frontrunners in setting renewable energy and net-zero emissions targets. An ambitious—but feasible—path towards this goal involves a move towards 100% renewables. While local governments have played a key role in shaping the global energy landscape – including advancing efforts to meet national decarbonization goals – legislative, financial and technological constraints persist. There is a need to link national and sub-national efforts to ensure that these commitments are implemented to create a just, inclusive and resilient energy system.
Session Description:
The event will focus on how cities, towns and regions are building on the momentum of climate proofing communities, and in turn are creating healthier and more liveable urban environments, by transforming their cities with renewable energy. It will discuss how these players can increase their climate ambition and action, contribute to local and national decarbonization goals and set out on the pathway to achieve net-zero. The interventions will look at the key barriers and opportunities to transform cities with renewables, focusing on the need to build strong local policy frameworks. Speakers will discuss how to ensure that local strategies are part of multi-level frameworks which are embedded in larger national strategies needed.
This interactive event will have various actors to illustrate different perspectives, including those from local and regional governments, experts and other stakeholders. Discussion will focus on exchanging approaches and identifying challenges and sharing action so we can collectively move forward on the energy transition in cities, towns and regions. The audience can interact and ask questions.
22 June 2021, 11.30 – 12.45 EST ( 17:30 PM – 18:45 PM CEST)
Speakers
Run of Show
| Duration | Role | Main activities |
| 2 min (17:30-17:32) | Moderator | Moderator gives brief introduction of the event
Moderator: Ms. Maryke van Staden |
| Keynote address | ||
| 5 min (17:32 – 17:37) | Keynote Speaker | Mr. Hermann Amecke: how the German leadership’s views on net-zero emissions and the role (decentralised) RE can play. |
| Brief interventions by speakers to frame the discussion | ||
| 5 min (17:37 – 17:42) | Speaker: | Lea Ranalder: trends and developments on the current status of renewable energy globally and locally |
| 5 min (17:42 – 17:47) | Speaker | Rohit Sen: 100% renewables in cities, towns and regions |
| Stakeholder perspectives and interactive panel discussion | ||
| 55 min: (17:47 – 18:42) | Panelist – panel discussion and Q&A | Panel focusing on how local governments are implementing enabling policy frameworks that fosters commitments for ambitious renewable energy targets leading them towards achieving net-zero status
Moderator introduces each speaker. Each speaker gives a 3 min introduction statement, followed by a question. Speakers:
This is followed by an open panel discussion, guided by the moderator. Questions:
Q&A: Audience can submit questions through the chat |
| 3 min (18:42 – 18:45) | Moderator gives a brief summary of main discussions and conclusion of the event | |