Week of 16th – 22nd November 2020

Thriving and just societies: integrating climate, nature and development in a COVID-19 green recovery. G20 climate action in times of corona crisis. State of climate action: assessing progress toward 2030 and 2050. Green hydrogen for a renewable powered future. Effects of mitigation costs and climate damages on inequality. How sustainable energy can light the way for recovering better. Find out about these and more online events of the week!

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16 – 19 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.


16 – 19 November
“WTO Trade and Environment Week 2020” (by World Trade Organisation – WTO)

This global forum will explore issues at the forefront of the trade and environment agenda; showcase successful experiences on how to make global trade more sustainable, resilient and inclusive; and exchange concrete ideas on the role of trade and the WTO in building back greener from the COVID-19 crisis. The topics include: “Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade”, “Climate Change, Natural Disasters and Recovery Efforts: Tapping into trade facilitation as an effective response tool”, “Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform as Part of a Green COVID-19 Recovery” and many more.


16 – 19 November
“Coal Regions in Transition Virtual Week” (by Platform for Coal Regions in Transition, European Commission)

The week will kick off with an opening session dedicated to highlight the importance of stakeholder involvement in the just transition. Stakeholder engagement will be the central theme guiding the sessions focusing on the just transition. They will give the floor to financial actors, social partners, business representatives, youth organizations and transition experts to discuss the needs and challenges of the just transition. Different sessions during the week will look at the transition away from coal within and beyond the EU, with a focus on Ukraine, as well as the future hydrogen economy.


16 – 20 November
“Sustainable Innovation Forum” (by Climate Action)

Each year, the Forum plays a key role in facilitating the connections that forge the cross sectors partnerships required to address the global climate emergency and accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy. In response to the global pandemic and in an effort to fill the void left by the delayed COP26, the 11th Sustainable Innovation Forum will be fully virtualised and broadcast live from a London-based studio creating a platform for the public and private sector to showcase continued climate action. Topics include: (1) Climate Finance & Policy, (2) Energy Transition, (3) Future Mobility, (4) Industry Transition, (5) Land Use and Agriculture. Register here.


16 – 20 November
“London Climate Action Week” (by E3G)

The event will convene communities and citizens from across London aiming to be a unifying moment shaping a whole of society response to the climate emergency. Together, London’s cultural institutions, policy-makers, professionals, communities, faith leadership, academics and researchers will explore new solutions to transition to an equitable net zero carbon world.


16 – 20 November
“World Energy Outlook Week” (by International Energy Agency – IEA)

Throughout the week, every day at 14:00, join a series of live-streamed discussions on IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2020:
Mon 16th / The impacts of Covid-19 on the energy sector
Tue 17th / The outlook for electricity
Wed 18th / The outlook for fuels
Thu 19th / Getting to net zero
Fri 20th / Investing in clean energy transitions


16 November, 8:00 – 10:00 AM CET
“Building a Climate Resilient and Just Future for all: knowledge and voices from the frontline” (by ICLEI, CGIAR, Climate & Development Knowledge Network, International Centre for Climate Change and Development)

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed how the most marginalised and poorest populations are hit the hardest. The same is true for climate change impacts. This session held at the Resilience Dialogues will look at how lessons from COVID can be used to raise ambition and further empower communities as they build resilience to the risks of climate change. Speakers will highlight the crucial roles that are played by grassroot groups in building community resilience and will explore the practical ways they can partner with others to create more resilient societies.

16 November, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM CET
“Race to Zero Dialogues on Energy” (by International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA)

The Race to Zero Dialogues on Energy will convene leaders from the energy transition, including policy-makers, transformational business leaders, energy sector leaders, investors, and civil society. The speakers will showcase energy transition solutions and how they can be scaled up and replicated to meet global climate goals. There dialogues consist of the four following sessions: (1) Recovering Better: How Sustainable Energy Can Light the Way; (2) Green hydrogen for a renewable powered future; (3) Implementing a Net Zero Energy Sector Strategy; (4) The Market Driven Renewable Electricity Transition.

16 November, 2:30 – 4:00 PM CET
“The Solidarity Principle and the Just Transition in Energy: Poetry or Law?” (by Florence School of Regulation – FSR and Energy Community Secretariat)

With the EU’s mounting determination to see urgent and effective energy and climate action toward carbon neutrality across the Union, what principles and legal mechanisms will underpin the transition going forward? Will they be constructive, and can they ensure compliance? How will the deepening economic instability stemming from the coronavirus pandemic paired with the self-determining rights of Member States enshrined in the treaties shape these efforts?

16 November, 3:00 – 4:30 PM CET
“Avoiding a Zombie Recovery: Public money for clean energy, not for fossil fuels” (by International Institute for Sustainable Development – IISD, Energy Policy Tracker Project)

Which G20 governments have achieved most progress in phasing out support to fossil fuels, and what made it possible? What are the most inspiring green recovery initiatives in the global North and South? Do “green strings” work for bailing out fossil fuel projects? How can public finance support green recovery in emerging and developing economies?

16 November, 3:00 – 4:30 PM CET
“Environment and trade for a sustainable and inclusive recovery from COVID-19” (by World Trade Organisation – WTO and United Nations Environment Programme – UNEP)

What opportunities exist to use trade policies as catalysts for a green and sustainable economic transition and recovery? How can we make global supply chains green and more resilient? How can trade better contribute to conservation and the sustainable use of nature? How can we break down silos to ensure that trade plays a full role in building back greener and better? This high-level session aims to promote dialogue between the trade and environment communities, bringing together leaders from across the globe to identify concrete actions for sustainable, resilient and inclusive trade. Watch the webinar here.

16 November, 3:00 – 4:30 PM CET
“Greening the Recovery in Time of Debt Distress” (by Heinrich Böll Foundation)

A global debt crisis is looming. Even before COVID-19 swept the world, the International Monetary Fund deemed global public debt burden a high risk for the majority of developing countries. As the COVID crisis worsens, developing countries face steep output contractions, massive increases in unemployment and poverty as well as limited fiscal space, while the COVID relief and recovery effort demands a massive upscaling of expenditures. Against this backdrop, the Debt Relief for Green and Inclusive Recovery (DRGR) project is putting forward an ambitious proposal for concerted and comprehensive debt relief on a global scale that frees up resources in heavily indebted developing countries to support recoveries in a sustainable way, boosts economies’ resilience, and fosters a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

16 November, 6:30 – 7:45 PM CET
“Are Global Partnerships Effective in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals?” (by Centre for International Environmental Studies at Graduate Institute Geneva)

As the challenges facing the global community become more complex and interdependent, global partnerships between public and non-State actors have gained momentum as an essential element of governance across scales and levels, and are identified as a key means of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Despite their anticipated effects, however, we still have limited knowledge on the extent to which the expectations attached to past and current initiatives have materialized. Are existing partnerships actually contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda? Do we have the right tools to measure partnerships’ successes and failures? What are the factors and conditions that can increase the effectiveness of partnerships? Join the event here.

16 November, 8:00 – 10:00 PM CET (2:00 PM EST)
“What is the World Waiting For? Policies to Fight Climate Change” (by Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

The Climate Action Symposia series aims to advance our community’s understanding and expand our capacity to generate solutions for the urgent global challenge of climate change. Topics of this events include: (1) changing the organization of the U.S. climate policy-making process; (2) augmenting the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change; (3) assisting developing countries in combatting damage from climate change.


17 November, 9:30 – 10:45 AM CET
“Meeting the new EU 2030 emissions targets: how do we get there?” (by Euractiv)

Alongside the ambition of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, the EU Commission has made clear its aim of ensuring a ‘just transition’ for all European citizens and territories, stating that EU’s responsibility to “make sure nobody is left behind” in the transition. However, some Member States argue that the European Commission’s proposal to increase the 2030 target to 55% does not adequately reflect their different starting points. Join this virtual conference to discuss how to mitigate possible side effects of Europe’s energy transition.

17 November, 10:00 – 11:00 AM CET
“Political success – ensuring relevance of 100% renewable energy strategies in the Global South” (by World Future Council and Brot für die Welt)

Achieving 100% renewable energy and initiating lasting policy reforms takes time. Setting up continuous and relevant processes are thus a necessity. This last session on “Political success – ensuring relevance of 100% renewable energy strategies in the Global South” of our online seminar series explores how can political success be defined and sectors and topics we need to hijack with renewable energy in order to kick-start a fair transformation towards 100% renewable energy.

17 November, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM CET
“Choosing Green: A digital summit in the lead up to COP26” (by Norden and We Don’t Have Time)

Join this digital one-day-event on post-corona green recovery in the lead up to COP26. In six debates, organisers challenge politicians, organisations, representatives from the public and private sector and entrepreneurs from the Nordic Region to pinpoint strengths and vulnerabilities in the Nordic Model. What is there to offer and where are our blind spots? The discussions will focus on various aspects of the role that the Nordics will play in the global, post-corona, green recovery.

17 November, 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM CET
“Sharing Cities’ Smart City Solutions: USP” (by Eurocities)

A USP is a data platform which integrates a range of data from different sources, such as smart lampposts, smart energy meters and mobility sharing services. A USP collects and processes raw data to create smart data which create new insights and information for cities. These can be used to make informed decisions enabling cities to allocate resources more efficiently and improve quality of life for citizens. A USP helps to build an integrated smart city by digitally integrating a wide range of Information and Communication Technology solutions in urban areas. Join to listen from representatives of cities of Lisbon, London and Milan about their experience in implementing USP and smart city solutions.

17 November, 12:30 – 2:00 PM CET
“Thriving and just societies: integrating climate, nature and development in a COVID-19 green recovery” (by International Institute for Environment and Development – IIED)

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed, and made worse, deeply entrenched vulnerability and inequality in our society. However, the recovery from COVID-19 presents opportunities to build a more resilient and adaptable society that can respond to a range of pressing risks today and in the future. This virtual event will bring together high-level speakers from different sectors of society to articulate the importance of integrated action on climate, nature and development, particularly in the context of a green recovery from COVID-19.

17 November, 3:00 – 3:30 PM CET
“Transforming transport with renewable based solutions” (by International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA)

The transport sector accounts for about a quarter of the world’s energy-related CO2 emissions. While the pathway towards zero emissions is relatively clear for passenger road transport and rail through direct electrification, that is not the case for the remaining sectors, i.e., road freight transport, shipping and aviation, which account for over half of the transport sector’s emissions. Following the key findings from the IRENA’s report Reaching zero with renewables, this webinar will dive deeper into emerging renewable solutions, challenges and opportunities to decarbonise the hard to electrify transport, i.e. road freight transport, shipping and aviation.

17 November, 3:00 – 4:30 PM CET
“Benefits of cities for higher ambition NDCs and post-COVID recovery” (by UN-Habitat, NDC Partnership and GIZ)

Human activities in cities are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the concentration of population and infrastructure in cities make cities a prime location for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. Together with the NDC Partnership, UN-Habitat and GIZ have, in close contact, developed guidance on enhancing NDCs through urban climate action. The resulting Guide and Discussion Paper provide resources for governments to improve low-carbon and resilient national and urban development.

17 November, 4:00 – 5:00 PM CET
“Policy Recommendations on Forests and Food for Nationally Determined Contributions” (by WWF)

Despite the rescheduling of UNFCCC’s COP26, country representatives and decision-makers are revising their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to enhance climate ambition and meet the global temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. One strategy that holds a great potential to meet that ambition lies in nature-based solutions (NBS), particularly those actions related to forests and food. However, this potential is still largely untapped, and more concrete policy actions linked to both mitigation and adaptation potential are needed. In this learning session, presenters will provide decision-makers with joint policy recommendations to maximize forest and food related NBS as they revise their NDCs to meet the ambition of the Paris Agreement.

17 November, 4:00 – 5:30 PM CET (10:00 AM EST)
“Moving Forward Together – Migration, Environmental Change & Conflict” (by IUCN)

This event is a part of a series of virtual dialogues organised by the IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy and partner organizations.

17 November, 4:00 – 5:30 PM CET
“Transforming agriculture and food innovation systems to win the Race to Zero” (by Consultative Group for International Agricultural ResearchCGIAR and UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office)

The event gives you the opportunity to join a global debate on how to foster ecosystems of innovation, transform food systems and build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic. World leaders will chart a new path to a future where we limit climate change at the COP26 summit in Glasgow next year. The objective of ‘Race to Zero’ is to build momentum ahead of that summit, amplifying calls to decarbonize our economies and secure stronger commitments from governments to reach the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement. This event will bring together stakeholders from across food systems—farmers, consumers, policy-makers, researchers, activists and more—to reach consensus on priority policies and solutions to win the ‘Race to Zero’.

17 November, 8:00 – 9:00 PM CET (2:00 PM EST)
“Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery” (by World Resources Institute – WRI and Climate Mayors Network)

Join a discussion with leaders of the Climate Mayors network to discuss climate action needed at all levels of government during COVID-19 and what the future of climate action will look like in the wake of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. This event is a part of a speaker series advocating for national leadership to prioritize recovery policies that are environmentally sustainable and socially just in the time of COVID-19, and will focus on the broader national climate conversation.


18 November, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM CET
“Local & integrated energy systems : Master-piece of the energy transition puzzle” (by European Federation of Local and Regional Energy CompaniesCEDEC)

This event is CEDEC’s Annual Congress that will take place virtually. Double headliner of the event is: (1) Local & integrated energy systems : Master-piece of the energy transition puzzle, (2) Making the energy transition inclusive : Getting all citizens on board.

18 November, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CET
“A Clean Industry Package for the EU” (by Agora Energiewende)

To align with the Paris Agreement, the European Commission’s 2030 Climate Target Plan has recommended that the EU reduces emissions by 55 percent by 2030 (relative to 1990 levels) and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. What climate neutral-compatible solutions can industry use to contribute its share of a -55 percent EU climate target in 2030? What would a genuinely transformative “clean industry package” need to look like to kick-start investments in key low-carbon and circular economy technologies before 2030? What combination of options is available to avoid carbon leakage under higher EU ETS carbon prices? Join to hear results of Agora Energiewende’s new studies on the topic.

18 November, 10:30 – 11:30 AM CET
“Anchoring Loss and Damage in Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions” (by WWF)

Very few of the original Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted in 2015 included loss and damage from climate change. The countries that did include it were those that were the most vulnerable to a direct climate impact, such as small island developing states from sea level rise and African countries facing increasing drought. As the majority of NDCs are expected to be updated by the end of the year, 2020 is an important opportunity to explore whether and how loss and damage could be integrated into the review process. WWF and Practical Action will host a discussion centered on their recent report.

18 November, 12:00 – 1:15 PM CET
“Capacity building for climate action and ambition: what have we learned?” (by International Institute for Environment and Development – IIED and International Centre for Climate Change and Development – ICCCAD)

To effectively adapt to the escalating impacts of climate change, support for locally led climate action is needed. Training, advocacy, and capacity building are proven pathways to change but what do we need to do now to ramp up ambition? How can we use what we know and have achieved so far to ramp up our climate ambition for COP26? Drawing on lessons learned through capacity building, advocacy, and grassroots action, how can we catalyse a different future?

18 November, 12:30 – 1:30 PM CET
“The Climate-ADAPT Adaptation Support Tool: practical experience and use for policy, planning and decision making” (by European Environment Agency – EEA and CMCC Foundation)

Climate-ADAPT provides information about climate change impacts, vulnerability, adaptation and disaster risk reduction. One element of Climate-ADAPT is the Adaptation Support Tool (AST). The AST has been developed in the context of the EU adaptation strategy to support and assist users in developing climate change adaptation strategies and plans by providing guidance. This webinar aims to improve knowledge dissemination on the Climate-ADAPT AST and its further development to promote its use, e.g. for strategic policy processes, awareness raising, planning, development of guidelines, etc. The event also intends to highlight and present how the AST is being used in practice and can be tailored to the real needs of users.

18 November, 1:30 – 2:30 PM CET
“Thus Spoke the Sea” (by Geneva Environment Network)

The Haitian Sea, as you’ve never seen or heard it before. In this documentary, the Sea tells its story with the Haitian people. Wave after wave, the Sea showcases its riches, reveals its mysteries, and raises the alarm. From the excessive use of its resources to the consequences of climate change and pollution, the Sea tells its own adventures through its different shades of blue. The Sea gives a frank and candid depiction of the challenges and opportunities to seize before it’s too late. This film is an invitation to travel, discover, and also to raise awareness. Haiti’s fate will be linked to the coasts, or not at all. Join an online film screening and a virtual discussion on Thus Spoke the Sea by Haitian filmmaker Arnold Antonin.

18 November, 2:00 – 2:30 PM CET
“G20 Climate Action in Times of Corona Crisis” (by Climate Transparency)

This event marks the official launch of the Climate Transparency Report 2020. Partners of the Climate Transparency network will present main findings on the G20 countries’ climate performance in the areas of mitigation, finance and adaptation. In addition, an overview of COVID-19 impacts on climate action will be given.

18 November, 2:00 – 3:00 PM CET (8:00 AM EST)
“To Glasgow and beyond: Building a path towards renewed US climate engagement” (by Atlantic Council)

In recent months, there has been a global wave of increased climate ambition, including commitments by the European Union, China, and most recently, Japan and South Korea to reach carbon neutrality by mid-century. Alternatively, under the Trump administration, the United States has fallen behind in the fight against climate change due to relaxed environmental policies and the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Although the absence of the United States in the Paris Agreement will be short-lived due to President-elect Biden’s commitment to rejoin, the process of shifting the direction of US policy will take time. A distinguished panel of speakers will explore how global climate leaders can constructively engage with US stakeholders to rebuild confidence in US climate action and set the world on a path to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

18 November, 2:00 – 3:30 PM CET
“Green jobs and a just transition: Country perspectives” (by Green Growth Knowledge Partnership, International Labour Organisation – ILO and GIZ)

Why must green jobs be central in national recovery strategies? What sectors are leading in green jobs creation? What are some new green job profiles? How can governments support workers during a green transition? What are key social protections as job profiles change or shift to new green sectors? How can businesses lead in the green jobs transition, and how can going green make a business more competitive? Join a discussion on how governments and business can lead a just transition to greener economies. The panel will feature country perspectives from Argentina and South Africa, providing an opportunity for an exchange on lessons learned and best practices for overcoming social, political and technical challenges.

18 November, 3:00 – 3:45 PM CET
“Sustainable Energy for All: a Conversation with Kandeh Yumkella” (by Florence School of Regulation)

In this webinar FSR welcomes Kandeh Yumkella, founding CEO of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative and former Chair of UN-Energy. The discussion will focus on the experience in mobilizing the Sustainable Energy for All initiative globally and the present priorities for Africa. Among the topics which will be discussed: (1) The role and creation of SE4All. What are the current challenges? What has been accomplished? (2) The energy sector in Africa and the cooperation between Africa and the EU. What should be the priorities? (3) Capacity building in energy regulation in Africa. Needs, challenges, opportunities.

18 November, 3:00 – 4:00 PM CET
“Africa’s Clean Energy Transition: Scaling Up Local Action” (by Global Wind Energy Council)

Diversity, leadership and sustainability will be the overarching principles shaping the conversation on the way forward to drive the energy transition in Africa. This online session convenes a multi-stakeholder group of young thought leaders and innovators from the public sector, private sector, civil society and academia, all working across wind, solar, off-grid and other renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies to promote Africa’s energy transition.

18 November, 8:00 – 9:00 PM CET (2:00 PM EST)
“Informal and Semiformal Services in Latin America: An Overview of Public Transportation Reforms” (by World Resources Institute – WRI)

The presentation will discuss the role of semiformal and informal transport services as a viable and legitimate public transportation option in Latin America. While the region is well-known as the “cradle of bus rapid transit,” the prevalent semiformal services are often overlooked or viewed in a negative light. Cities “modernize” the informal sector by using BRT as a technical and governance restructuring tool, but outcomes from decades of experience have been mixed, and reforms come at a substantial cost. Improving access for all citizens means investing in informal services and infrastructure—and integrating them with the formal ones when feasible.

18 November, 9:00 – 10:00 PM CET (3:00 PM EST)
“Should a Carbon Tax Be Part of the Strategy for Achieving 100% Clean Energy?” (by Clean Energy States Alliance)

This webinar will explore how a carbon tax could feature in US state and national efforts to advance clean energy. Speakers will explain why economists believe a carbon tax can be an effective, efficient, and fair policy for addressing climate change. They will discuss how it could improve the fairness of the tax code and contribute to economic growth, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They will also compare its benefits to those of other potential policies.


19 November, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM CET
“3rd World Community Power Conference WCPC2020: Women in Community Energy” (by World Wind Energy AssociationWWEA, ISEP Japan, Malifolkecenter Nyetaa MFC, and African Platform for Community Power and Rural Electrification)

The Conference will gather community energy stakeholders from around the world to join the discussion on how to maximise the benefits of renewable energy for all, with a special focus on the role of women. Women are leaders in the climate movement, but they appear to still have difficulties in participating and are underrepresented in renewable energy in general and in particular in community energy. Accordingly, WCPC2020 aims at highlighting models and approaches in which women are playing a driving role and defining what barriers women face when they try to act in renewable energy field. The event will also present a study WWEA is currently conducting with various partners about the role of women in community energy.

19 November, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 – 4:00 PM CET
“Ensuring sustainable raw material management to support the European Green Deal” (by UNECE, European Commission and EuroGeoSurveys)

Europe’s new growth strategy aims to transform the region into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. The grand objective of the European Green Deal is to become net-zero GHG emission by 2050, promote the circular economy and enhance social responsiveness. The action plan to achieve these objectives in a time-bound manner includes channeling massive investments in green technologies, driving industry innovation, promoting decarbonization, and promoting global partnerships for improved standards. This workshop will feature perspectives and experiences in the application of UNFC for raw materials management in Europe in two sessions focusing on (1) Vision and strategy for sustainable raw materials management, and (2) Case studies on raw materials resource assessment and management.

19 November, 1:00 – 2:00 PM CET and 8:00 – 9:00 PM CET
“The En-ROADS Climate Workshop” (by Climate Interactive)

The En-ROADS Climate Workshop is an interactive group experience which allows participants to visualize the impact of different climate solutions in real-time, using the En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator—a user-friendly climate model developed by Climate Interactive and MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative. The workshop covers climate solutions, co-benefits to address equity and justice, and a powerful call to action.

19 November, 1:00 – 2:30 PM CET
“Developing a National Life Cycle Assessments Database: from guidance to practice” (by United Nations Environment Programme – UNEP)

The lack of regionally representative data for Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) hampers the use of life cycle thinking in policy-making and environmental decision-making in countries around the world. Join this webinar where speakers showcase the global guidance on developing national LCA database roadmaps, and learn from the experiences of countries successfully advancing their national LCA database initiatives.

19 November, 1:30 – 2:30 PM CET (7:30 AM EST)
“Expanding Renewable Energy for Access and Development: the Role of Development Finance Institutions in Southern Africa” (by Global Development Policy Center at Boston University)

As countries in Southern Africa recover from the COVID-19 crisis and mobilize to ensure resilience and sustainability are built into their economies, reinvigorating development finance to invest in renewable energy and energy access will be essential for the people and countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). SADC countries face enormous opportunities and challenges in developing their energy infrastructure over the next decades to power development and provide access to all. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), such as development banks, granting agencies, and export credit agencies, have a seminal role to play in financing the expansion and structural transformation that SADC’s energy sector requires…

19 November, 2:00 – 3:00 PM CET
“Balancing Ecological Connectivity and Linear Infrastructure” (by Infrastructure and Nature Coalition)

It is more important than ever to balance environmental conservation with the rapid development of linear infrastructure (roads, railways, power lines, canals, gas and oil pipelines, etc.). This session highlights best practices for sustainable linear infrastructure development that protect the ecological connectivity of our planet.

19 November, 2:00 – 3:30 PM CET
“Green Hydrogen: A Guide to Policy Making” (by International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA)

High production costs and lack of dedicated infrastructure are some of the more important barriers faced by green hydrogen. Transitioning green hydrogen from a niche player to a widespread energy carrier will require an integrated policy approach to overcome the initial resistance and reach a minimum threshold for market penetration. Using the findings of the new report, this Policy Talk will focus on the barriers and the policies needed to kick-start the green hydrogen sector, bridging the gap between commitment and action. Expert panellists and private sector representatives will discuss the key elements for progressive policy making. Interventions from policy makers will also be made to share experiences and best practices. Register here.

19 November, 2:00 – 3:30 PM CET
“How to Make the Renovation Wave a Success” (by World Green Building Council – WGBC)

In the Renovation Wave action plan released in October 2020, the European Commission declared its ambition to at least double renovation rates and ensure that 35 million buildings across Europe are renovated by 2030. The plan unveiled a promising range of regulatory, financial and structural measures to accelerate European renovation. This will be crucial to reducing the environmental impact of buildings, which currently account for 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Join to hear from industry experts what action must be taken for the Renovation Wave to be successful and fulfill its ambition.

19 November, 3:00 – 4:00 PM CET
“Renewable energy: a winner or loser in a post-covid world?” (by The Economist)

The economic upheaval wrought by the coronavirus epidemic has led some to speculate that it could impede the growth of renewable energy—or, alternatively, sound the death knell for traditional fuels. How have firms weathered the storm? Can governments avoid cuts to clean-energy spending? Are investors confident of the long-term picture? Are renewables the key to building more resilient economies and societies?

19 November, 3:00 – 4:00 PM CET
“Effects of mitigation costs and climate damages on inequality” (by RFF‐CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment)

What is the prospect for future inequality between countries under climate change? In addition to socioeconomic impacts regarding demography, education and technology progress, climate change will affect future inequality. Analysis of scenarios accounting for these effects of climate change under different emission pathways reveals that climate damage will hit disproportionately poorest countries and mitigation costs will be unevenly distributed among them. Even under low damage estimates, this situation occurs in some scenarios. Thus, mitigation of climate change can be key to limiting future inequality, provided that mitigation costs do not fall on the poorest countries…

19 November, 3:00 – 4:00 PM CET (9:00 AM EST)
“State of Climate Action: Assessing Progress Toward 2030 and 2050” (by World Resources Institute – WRI)

To keep the window open to limit global warming to 1.5 C, countries need to accelerate transformation towards a net-zero emissions future across all sectors at a far faster pace than recent trends, according to a forthcoming report from WRI, ClimateWorks Foundation and Climate Action Tracker. Join the launch event for this major report to gain insights from experts on progress being made across six key sectors (power, buildings, industry, transport, forests and agriculture) – and, even more importantly, what we need to achieve by 2030 and 2050 to get on track for a safer, climate-resilient future. This analysis is especially timely as the world prepares to take stock of what was accomplished since the Paris Agreement was adopted five years ago.

19 November, 8:00 – 9:00 PM CET (2:00 PM EST)
“Your Commitment in Action: 2020 Conservation Wins” (by WWF)

2020 has been a year unlike any other in modern history. From raging wildfires to a global pandemic, the consequences of our unbalanced relationship with nature can be seen around the globe. But, even in these unprecedented times, there are stories that we can be grateful for – conservation wins that you made possible. Join for a special Thanksgiving session where representatives of the organisation will give you highlights from the past year of WWF’s work to safeguard habitats, restore species, develop the next generation of conservation leaders, and support communities around the world.


20 November, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM CET
“Unlocking community-based flexibility to transform the energy system” (by REScoop)

“Energy communities” and “aggregation” have been buzzwords in the centre of various debates while writing of the Clean Energy Package. While the new legislation is being implemented, it is key to understand the opportunities created by these 2 key innovations. Energy cooperatives and other energy market actors have experimented with these concepts in different EU projects, trying to capture the benefits of a citizen-centred approach and of new technologies to manage decentralised energy resources. During these 2 hours speakers will clarify these new concepts and illustrate them with hands-on experiences from our project partners and energy communities in the field.

20 November, 2:00 – 3:00 PM CET (8:00 AM EST)
“Can we avoid a carbon trade war?” (by Atlantic Council Global Energy Center)

There are numerous challenges that the European Union and others face when designing a carbon border adjustment mechanism that can be administered at a reasonable level of complexity and cost and can also secure World Trade Organization approval. Furthermore, there are high-level political considerations. This approach of imposing carbon pricing on traded products would almost certainly act as a trade irritant and likely result in a trade war. Alternatively, the actors have the opportunity to promote a new model for international cooperation that achieves the necessary emissions goals while enhancing existing trade relationships. Thishttps://www.bloomberglive.com/calendar/ panel will explore alternatives to competing carbon border adjustment mechanisms that would not only avoid a carbon trade war but would also bolster the competitiveness of both actors in the global economy.

20 November, 4:00 – 5:00 PM CET (10:00 AM EST)
“Green Infrastructure” (by University of Massachusetts)

Green infrastructure is an interconnected network of natural areas and other open spaces that conserve natural ecosystem values and functions, sustain clean air and water and provide a wide array of benefits to people and wildlife. It is the ecological framework for environmental, social, and economic health – in short, our natural life-support system. In this webinar speakers will explore the benefits, scalability, implementation, politics, and potential funding of green infrastructure projects. They will dive into green infrastructure as another equitable and effective tool to address the climate crisis. The webinar discussion will be led by three experts who are known in the U.S. for their advocacy and successful implementation of green infrastructure projects.

20 November, 5:00 – 6:30 PM CET
“The truth about nature: Environmentalism in the era of post-truth politics and platform capitalism” (by University of Oxford)

How should we share the truth about the environmental crisis? At a moment when even the most basic facts about ecology and the climate face contestation and contempt, environmental advocates are at an impasse. Many have turned to social media and digital technologies to shift the tide—but what if their strategy is not only flawed, but dangerous? In this seminar, Bram Büscher reflects on what happens when environmental actors turn to the internet to save nature. He shows how conservation efforts are transformed through the political economy of platforms and the algorithmic feeds that have been instrumental to the rise of post-truth politics. Developing a novel account of post-truth as an expression of power under platform capitalism, the seminar shows how environmental actors attempt to mediate between structural forms of platform power and the contingent histories and contexts of particular environmental issues.