Renewable Energy – A Key Milestone on the Road to Net-Zero

  • 18 June 2021

 

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:

  • Mr. Christopher Taylor: how local governments in the US are implementing energy (RE & EE) transition policies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
  • Mayor Mr. Dionisio Scarpin: creating a community shared vision for 100%RE, taking into account existing RE & EE plans and projects.
  • Rana Adib, REN21

This is followed by an open panel discussion, guided by the moderator. 

Questions:

  • How can cities scale up renewables faster? What kind of support mechanisms are needed?
  • How can national governments empower local governments to support them in scaling up renewables? 
  • How can multi-level governance be strengthened, showcasing the contribution of local governments to achieving global climate goals and SDGs? 

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