At the frontiers of the clean energy revolution. Sparking sustainable action in the business sector. Monitoring urban greenhouse gases. Multi-actor partnerships for 100% renewable energy. Country action in the race to net-zero emissions. Financing a resilient future: target setting for climate and nature. Food waste prevention and reduction in the times of crisis. Find out about these and more online events of the week!
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9 – 10 November
“Race to Zero Climate & Health Dialogue” (by World Health Organisation – WHO)
The Race to Zero Climate & Health Dialogue will bring local to global actors together to place health and equity at the centre of ambitious climate action. Through a series of virtual events, hosted throughout a 24-hour period, the dialogue will envision how a healthy, equitable recovery from COVID-19 can drive rapid decarbonization of the world economy. The climate & health dialogue will present initiatives, case-studies and interventions for a healthy, climate-resilient and climate-just future across several priority areas of action: Adaptation & resilience; Nature; Energy transition; Zero carbon road transport; and Finance.
9 – 11 November
“ClientEarth Summit” (by Client Earth)
The aim of the event is collaboration to explore and inspire action against climate change. Over three days the Summit will convene a series of discussions, hearing from some of the key organisations and individuals who are ingeniously leveraging the tools at their disposal to protect the planet. Bringing together speakers from a diversity of backgrounds including lawyers, campaigners, biodiversity experts, activists and academics, and environmental, business and creative industry leaders, we’ll hear how the global community is working together to achieve the same goal of a safer, healthier future for all.
9 – 13 November
“Race-to-Zero November Dialogues” (by UNFCCC and many other)
The Race To Zero Dialogues happening on 9-19 November are critical inputs to the UNFCCC Climate Dialogues (23 Nov – Dec 4) to accelerate progress to meet the Paris Agreement. Together, both Dialogues will set the stage for the Anniversary of the Paris Agreement on 12 December as the world embarks on the ‘Race to Zero’ towards COP26 in 2021. Each ‘Race to Zero’ virtual dialogue is organized by a key partner, under an umbrella programme curated by the High-Level Champions.
9 – 13 November
“International Forum for Sustainable Asia and the Pacific 2020” (by Institute for Global Environmental Strategies – IGES)
This year’s International Forum for Sustainable Asia and the Pacific (ISAP) is titled “Just Transitions Toward Sustainable Societies in Asia and the Pacific: Building forward better for our future beyond COVID-19”. ISAP is held annually to share information and facilitate diverse discussions on sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific, with the participation of front-line experts and diverse stakeholders from international organisations, governments, business and NGOs. ISAP aims to discuss required actions for transformative change for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive society, considering initial response, recovery, and re-design processes for COVID-19. View programme here. No prior registration is required.
9 November, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM CET (2:30 PM IST)
“Scaling local value-addition and jobs from EV manufacturing in India” (by Council on Energy, Environment and Water – CEEW)
The session will mark the launch of our latest study ‘Can Electric Mobility Support India’s Sustainable Economic Recovery Post COVID-19?’ A rapid and sustained transition to electric mobility in India hinges on domestic manufacturing with a high degree of localisation. During the session, speakers will unpack strategies to scale investments into EV component manufacturing and the role of stable and long-term policies. They will also delve into possible pre-emptive measures to assuage the impact on ICE manufacturing jobs and a potential fuel tax revenue hit for central and state governments. Register here.
9 November, 1:00 – 2:30 PM CET
“Transforming Tourism for a resilient and sustainable post-covid world” (by UNEP)
This event will convene European government representatives, tourism institutions and international organisations to explore how sustainable tourism can build back greener towards a more sustainable tourism industry in a post-COVID scenario. It will provide an overview of the impacts of COVID on the tourism sector and evaluate how stimulus packages and recovery plans could be aligned with a transition that meets health and safety requirements, leads to an inclusive green economy and meets the sustainable development agenda, and climate commitments.
9 November, 3:00 – 3:45 PM CET
“The key role of renewables for a sustainable global recovery” (by International Energy Agency – IEA)
Watch live the discussion between IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera and IEA’s Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol:
9 November, 3:00 – 4:00 PM CET
“Reforming China’s Electricity Sector: The Potential Gains and Pitfalls” (by International Association for Energy Economics – IAEE)
China announces its target of carbon neutrality by 2060. As the major contributor of carbon emissions, the electricity sector in China experiences significant market reform. In this webinar, we will discuss the potential impacts of such market reform measures. We will first discuss by establishing a competitive electricity wholesale market in China’s electricity sector, what will be the welfare incidence as well as the redistribution effects among generators and consumers. Moreover, we show the impacts of transitioning from the uniform power plant dispatch to market-based dispatch within the Southern Grid territory. Finally, we will also discuss the potential pitfalls and recommendations for China’s ongoing power sector reform. Register here.
9 November, 5:00 – 6:30 PM CET
“The Race to Zero Coalition: From COVID-19 to COP26” (by C40 Cities)
C40 Cities presents The Race to Zero Coalition: From COVID-19 to COP26, a high-level virtual event hosted in partnership with the UNFCCC and the High-Level Climate Champions for Global Climate Action on the opening day of the Race to Zero Dialogues. Join for a series of exciting keynote addresses and inspiring panels as mayors from around the world, climate experts, business leaders, campaigners, scientists and urban residents explore the most pressing global issues of the day.
9 November, 7:30 – 8:30 PM CET (1:30 PM EST)
“The Blue Economy: A global agenda to explore, protect, and develop ocean resources” (by Atlantic Council)
The Blue Economy is about sustainably developing marine resources while managing the interplay between the potential for economic and commercial development and protection of the world’s invaluable ocean resources. The Blue Economy implicates a multitude of sectors and industries and requires robust national and global governance. At this event, you will hear the US government’s voice on this initiative, together with an esteemed international panel.
10 November, 5:30 – 6:30 AM (1:30 PM Tokyo Time)
“Re-Charting Water Pathways for Greener Recovery Options” (by Asia-Pacific Water Forum)
Greener recovery for the accelerated achievement of delayed SDGs requires a nature-based holistic sustainability approach of providing equal opportunities, irrespective of gender, age or socioeconomic status, to ensure no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities & communities, climate actions and partnerships for the goals. A key challenge is how we learn from the mistakes of the past to become more resilient. Can there be better pathways for our economic recovery efforts through nature-based investments in water knowledge, water partnerships and inclusive policy development? This webinar will help develop common understanding of the water sustainability pathways which can be part of build back better greener future options. Register here.
10 November, 9:00 – 10:00 AM CET
“‘Building back better’ in impact investing: Forging a new social contract” (by The Economist)
How can investors ensure that sustainability is front of mind as economies seek to ‘build back better’ in the months ahead? Apart from impact investing, what are some of the tools available to wealthy investors who would consider environmental and social good as part of their remit? How can the investing community ensure that the coronavirus response doesn’t overshadow these pressing issues that have finally come into focus? Register here.
10 November, 9:00 – 10:30 AM and 3:00 – 4:30 PM CET
“Insuring a Sustainable Ocean Economy: A Deep Dive for the Insurance Industry” (by UNEP Finance Initiative)
Modern-day insurance’s roots can be traced to the maritime industry, and the insurance industry’s relationship with the ocean economy continues to evolve. From shipping, fisheries and tourism; to aquaculture, energy, biotechnology and nature-based solutions for coastal protection and blue carbon, the insurance industry’s risk management, insurance and investment activities can play a key role in ensuring a sustainable ocean economy. Find out how to get involved in UNEP FI’s new Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative to develop sustainable finance strategies and approaches to ocean-based industries.
10 November, 9:00 – 11:00 AM CET
“Climate change, environmental and health impacts on housing affordability” (by UNECE, UN Habitat and Housing Europe)
This online conference aims to highlight effective and innovative policies to improve the climate and energy performance of our homes in a way that does not put an unsustainable financial burden on low- and middle-income households. Register here.
10 November, 10:00 – 11:45 AM CET
“Climate change, environmental and health impacts on housing affordability” (by UNECE)
Housing 2030 is a joint international initiative of housing experts from over 56 governments through UNECE, UN Habitat and 43,000 affordable housing providers and neighbourhood developers represented by Housing Europe. It aims to improve the capacity of national and local governments to formulate policies that improve housing affordability and sustainability. Representatives of national and local governments, social and affordable housing providers and policy experts will share their experiences with housing policies which address the climate challenge in a way that is affordable, equitable and sustainable for households. Register here.
10 November, 10:30 – 11:30 AM CET
“Release of IEA’s Renewables 2020” (by the International Energy Agency – IEA)
Renewables 2020 is the IEA’s primary analysis on renewable energy and is based on current policies and market developments across the globe. It forecasts the deployment of renewable energy technologies in electricity, transport and heat between 2020 and 2022, and gives an outlook to 2025.
10 November, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM CET
“Building a climate-resilient and just future for all” (by Stockholm Environment Institute – SEI)
This online dialogue will bring together representatives from the private sector, civil society, governments and international organizations, to shine a spotlight on industry and explore actions to strengthen the resilience of global supply chains. It will ask how we can better manage the cross-border effects of climate change and spur opportunities for just approaches to adaptation that bring co-benefits at scale.
10 November, 2:00 – 3:15 PM CET
“The EU’s 2030 Climate Target Plan: What will it take to reach the target?” (by Euractiv)
In mid-September, the European Commission came forward with a much-awaited update of its emissions reduction target, which sits at the heart of the European executive’s climate action strategy under the European Green Deal. For the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 to remain in sight, the European Union will have to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, according to the Commission. Join this virtual conference to discuss what lies ahead in the sectoral legislative calendar and what shape the race for a sustainable Europe might take. Register here.
10 November, 2:45 – 4:00 PM CET
“In conversation with Jacob Werksman – the EU’s international climate policy” (by European Roundtable on Climate Change and Sustainable Transition – ERCST)
2020 is the year that Parties to the Paris Agreement are to communicate or update their nationally determined contribution (NDC). The EU institutions have already stated their ambition to agree upon and submit an enhanced NDC by the end of the year, and President Xi Jinping announced in September that China will enhance its NDC, which many observers attribute in part to the EU’s active climate diplomacy. It remains to be seen whether other large countries will follow suit. Due to the ongoing health crisis, the UNFCCC process has also been severely delayed. COP26, which was supposed to take place in Glasgow this November, has been postponed by one year. Join this session to discover more about the EU’s international climate policy priorities and what to expect from the UNFCCC process going into 2021. Register here.
10 November, 3:00 – 4:15 PM CET (9:00 AM EST)
“Country Action in the Race to Zero” (by World Resources Institute – WRI)
During this virtual event, speakers will present a new resource to support countries in designing and communicating robust net-zero targets. Representatives from the United Kingdom and South Africa will share their countries’ experiences in the journey toward net-zero emissions. Register here.
10 November, 3:00 – 4:15 PM CET
“Voluntary Sustainability Standards and Trade Policy: Trends, Challenges, and Development Implications” (by International Institute for Sustainable Development – IISD and Université de Genève – UNIGE)
This webinar will explore what the rapidly growing field of voluntary sustainability standards could mean for trade policy, especially in developing and least developed countries. It will ask how these standards might be integrated into trade agreements, market access regulations, and export promotion measures. Presenters will also explore the development considerations and implications, looking at what the integration of these standards into trade policy could mean for developing and least developed countries. The event will begin with an in-depth presentation on the new report from the UN Forum on Sustainability Standards, entitled Scaling up VSS through Sustainable Public Procurement and Trade Policy. The webinar will then explore in further detail issues of market access regulation, trade, and public procurement. Register here.
10 November, 5:00 – 6:00 PM CET (11:00 AM EST)
“Business Engagement with En-ROADS 101: Sparking Sustainable Action in the Business Sector” (by Climate Interactive)
Learn about how the En-ROADS Climate Workshop – an experience developed by systems thinking experts at Climate Interactive and MIT Sloan – can be used to deliver insights which pertain to the business sector and corporate sustainability groups. Register here.
10 November, 5:00 – 6:00 PM CET (9:00 AM MST)
“World Energy Outlook 2020” (by Payne Institute for Public Policy)
The World Energy Outlook, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) flagship publication, provides a comprehensive view of how the global energy system could develop in the coming decades. This year’s exceptional circumstances require an exceptional approach. The World Energy Outlook 2020 is firmly focused on the next 10 years, exploring in detail the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the energy sector, while mapping out the choices that would pave the way towards a sustainable recovery. Join the discussion with IEA’s chief energy modeller and discover more.
10 November, 5:00 – 8:45 PM CET
“Monitoring Urban Greenhouse Gases” (by Global Environmental Monitoring and Measurement Initiative – GEMM and City of Glasgow)
The Glasgow COP26 Preview is designed for mayors and city officials and will feature a policy plenary, an overview of the GEMM initiative, a presentation of new technologies and methodologies for monitoring GHGs in cities and an interactive policy and technology roundtable. Attendees will gain an understanding of the benefits of deploying measurement networks in their urban settings.
10 November, 10:00 – 11:30 PM CET (4:00 PM Singapore Time)
“Science-based Targets for Financial Institutions in Asia” (by CDP Hong Kong, WWF Singapore, WRI Indonesia, UN Global Compact Malaysia and UN Global Compact Network Singapore)
To date more than 55 financial institutions, of which 14 are headquartered in Asia, have committed to set science-based targets. During the event, speakers will explore how new Financial Sector Guidance from the Science Based Targets initiative can help financial institutions set science-based targets. Register here.
11 November, 10:00 – 11:00 AM CET
“Food waste prevention and reduction in the times of crisis” (by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – FAO)
With little data available on the implications of COVID-19 on the agrifood system, the event will bring together experts from different sectors to share their first-hand experience and discuss solutions and practices to prevent and reduce food waste at different stages of the food value chain in this unprecedented situation. This webinar will focus on two areas of action to prevent and reduce food waste: (1) facilitation of access to food for food insecure and vulnerable groups, (2) development and adoption of innovative solutions to minimize critical food loss and waste. Register here.
11 November, 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM CET
“Best Practices for Youth Engagement in Green Innovation” (by World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO)
The webinar will provide a platform for young innovators to present their business ventures and share their experiences and opinions regarding youth-driven sustainable innovation. It will also bring together actors from diverse sectors (academia, business, government) to share different perspectives on how to leverage youth potential in addressing climate change. Register here.
11 November, 3:00 – 4:00 PM CET
“New actors on the energy market: aggregators and energy communities” (by REKK Foundation)
With transposing the EU Clean Energy Package into national law new actors will enter the European energy markets. Frameworks developed for renewable energy communities, as defined by the recast Renewable Energy Directive and citizen energy communities, as introduced in the Internal Electricity Market Directive will enable prosumers to organize themselves and act collectively when consuming, selling, storing or even sharing their electricity. Aggregators will play an important role as intermediaries between old and new customer groups and the market. The aim of the bilingual online event is to present the EU framework for energy communities and aggregators to stakeholders of the Central and Eastern European region and to show best practices of already functional models.
11 November, 4:00 – 5:00 PM CET (10:00 AM EST)
“Can Macroeconomic Models really Model a Low-Carbon Energy Transition?” (by United States Association for Energy Economics)
Are the right theories and assumptions being used to integrate the economics of energy and climate change? Can the current crop of economic models (e.g., IAMs) effectively inform energy and carbon policy? What are the economic theories and assumptions behind these models, and are they up to the task? If not, what economic theories and frameworks can improve our modeling of energy and economic interactions? Join this webinar for insights into the practical and theoretical difficulties and possibilities for modeling the important linkages between energy consumption and economic growth and distribution. Register here.
11 November, 4:00 – 5:30 PM CET (10:00 AM EST)
“Youth Sustainable Energy Hub Launch” (by Youth Sustainable Energy Hub)
The Youth Sustainable Energy Hub is the first of its kind global platform showcasing the work of youth practitioners in the sustainable energy sector. The event will be a celebration of youth action toward advancing SDG7 and an opportunity to show intergenerational solidarity in ensuring sustainable energy for all. YSEH has been developed by SDG7 Youth Constituency in partnership with SEforALL, UNIDO, UNICEF, IEEE-PES, SDSN Youth and Climate Tracker. During the Launch, the organising partners will unveil the platform, featuring approximately 100 youth projects selected from over 250 submissions received earlier this year.
11 November, 4:00 – 5:30 PM CET
“Living With Climate Change” (by Centre for Climate Justice at Glasgow Caledonian University, Royal Society of Edinburgh and Glasgow Science Centre)
Our climate is changing, impacting on the lives and livelihoods of people across the planet. But who is being affected and why? Life on small island developing states (SIDS) such as Seychelles, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Mauritius is changing, despite these communities contributing little to the causes of climate change. Join for an insightful discussion to learn more about how people are affected and coping with these impacts, how island communities are being supported, and how they relate to Scotland and European island communities.
12 November, 9:00 – 10:30 AM CET
“Climate change impacts on mining” (by Climate Diplomacy)
Climate change is increasingly affecting the mining sector. Growing water scarcity and a rising number of extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires and storms are exacerbating already existing risks and affecting supply chains. At the same time, our responses to climate change in particular the green transition of our energy systems are increasingly driving demand for resources. This webinar will present the results of the latest study ‘Impacts of climate change on mining, related environmental risks and raw material supply’. Join the event to learn more about climate change impacts on mining and discuss the way forward with experts from the research community, private sector and civil society. Register here.
12 November, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CET
“Keeping our cities sustainably warm: Inspiring the Efficient Renewal of District Heating for the Just Transition” (by KeepWarm Project)
KeepWarm‘s online International Inspire Event aims to explore the role which district heating (DH) has, especially for DH retrofits (i.e. increasing DH networks’ efficiency and/or decarbonisation through more sustainable energy sources), in relevant strategies at multiple levels of governance. It features high-level speakers representing local to European institutions to discuss DH’s crucial role in contributing to a Just Transition, Green Recovery and climate/energy goals. The ultimate purpose of this e-event is to foster interactive dialogue which helps to scale up implementation through the strategic acceleration of policy and financial frameworks which suitably support DH retrofits.
12 November, 12:30 – 1:30 PM CET
“Resilient Recovery through Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform” (by International Carbon Action Partnership – ICAP, International Institute for Sustainable Development – IISD and Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform)
It is critical to align climate ambitions with socioeconomic priorities. Unlocking revenues dedicated to fossil fuel subsidies can stimulate Paris Agreement-consistent COVID-19 recovery. This session highlights the role that energy price reform plays to increase ambition on climate change, as well as build back better from the current pandemic. Register here.
12 November, 1:00 – 2:00 AM CET (11 November, 4:00 PM PST)
“Special Energy Seminar: At the Frontiers of the Clean Energy Revolution” (by Stanford University)
Amory Lovins and Holmes Hummel, two thought-leaders with a track record of high-impact work on energy and sustainability, will be returning to Stanford to invest in a new generation of scholars and innovators at the frontiers of the clean energy revolution.
12 November, 2:00 – 3:00 PM CET
“Sustainable Biomass: Understanding its role in the forest value chain and preserving biodiversity” (by World Bioenergy Association)
Sustainable bioenergy is the EU’s largest single source of renewable energy, and is expected play a significant role in achieving its ambitious climate goals. However, there are also calls to limit certain feedstock for woody biomass over concerns about its impact on forest biodiversity. During this interactive event, speakers will discuss their recent work focused on this issue.
12 November, 2:30 – 4:00 PM CET
“Why Standardising Environmental and Social Impact in Land-Use Investment Is a Priority?” (by UNEP – WCMC)
This webinar is a part of knowledge exchange series aimed to urgently converge on ‘sustainable land-use’ by focusing on standardisation of environmental and social (E&S) metrics that measure positive impact. An emerging consensus on standardised E&S practices will contribute to creating the financing environment for investable money to repurpose capital flow to sustainable practices and EU Environment Ministers to protect the ecosystems which humanity is dependent on…
12 November, 3:00 – 4:30 PM CET
“Financing a Resilient Future: Target Setting for Climate and Nature” (by UNEP Finance Initiative)
The Paris Agreement signalled an acceleration in the transition to a low carbon economy. Many institutions are already making ambitious commitments to making this a reality – but they also need ambitious emissions reduction targets that ensure the transformational action they take is aligned with current planetary needs. At the same time, the world hasn’t fully met any of the 20 biodiversity targets set by global governments a decade ago. This webinar provides insights on next steps in target setting for climate and nature, how organisations are making ambitious commitments and implications for their businesses. Register here.
12 November, 4:00 – 5:30 PM CET
“Food Systems Approach to Climate Change – The NDCs we want” (by UNEP, WWF, Alliance of Bioversity International, CIAT and IPES-FOOD)
In the webinar, speakers will present recommendations from the Report “Enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for Food Systems” which explains 16 specific food system-related mitigation and adaptation measures countries can take. Experts will also discuss ways for building policy coherence and present the Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration, a national and sub-national government’s pledge to accelerate the development of integrated food policies to fight against climate change. Lastly, the webinar will explain the interlinkages between food systems approaches and climate change mitigation and adaptation, and bring national and local level governments representatives to present their measures. Register here.
12 November, 5:00 – 6:00 PM CET
“Stronger together – Multi-Actor Partnerships for 100% RE in the Global South” (by World Future Council and Brot für die Welt)
A huge transformation towards 100% renewable energy lies ahead of humanity as it faces one of its biggest challenges – climate change. To make this transformation a reality, everybody will need to think outside the box. Therefore, setting up inclusive Multi-Actor Partnerships (MAPs) are essential to unlock new ideas and build new alliances across sectors and jurisdictions. This session of November online seminar series aims to give an overview over the processes needed to establish MAPs and their usefulness in strengthening participatory policy making and democratisation. Further, the seminar will discuss the challenges posed by COVID-19 in implementing such MAPs.
13 November, 10:00 – 11:00 AM CET
“Where are we at with zero-emission trucks in Europe?” (by Transport & Environment)
Trucks represent 2% of the vehicles on the road but are responsible for 22% of the EU road transport CO2 emissions. Zero-emission trucks will be needed to reach the new EU 2030 climate targets and the 2050 climate neutrality objective. Are the CO2 standards driving the market? What are the existing and announced zero-emission models? What is happening outside of Europe? What is the difference between the available zero-emission technologies in terms of efficiency and costs? What are the infrastructure needs to unlock Europe’s potential for zero-emission road freight? How could Member States use the Recovery and Resilience Facility to promote zero-emission road freight? Register here.
13 November, 12:45 – 8:30 PM CET
“Race to Zero Dialogues: Nature’s Place in the Race” (by Nature4Climate, IUCN, WWF, University of Oxford and UN REDD Programme)
Nature’s Place in the Race is a series of live events featuring dialogues from across the full nature based solutions spectrum. Join to explore the role nature can play in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
13 November, 2:00 – 3:00 PM CET
“The role of sustainable finance in delivering the Future we Want post Covid-19” (by University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership)
Aimed at leaders and practitioners in the fields of finance and business, this panel will explore the role of the finance industry – and sustainable finance in particular – in building zero carbon, equitable and sustainable economies post COVID-19. Key themes to be discussed in this webinar are: (1) The role of finance in protecting and restoring nature, (2) How the finance system can be ‘rewired’ to include sustainability in decision making, (3) The performance and potential of ‘sustainable assets’. Register here.