Week of 18 – 24 January 2021

Making 2021 the year we break fossil fuel addiction. Net zero: how and why? Social innovation in energy transitions. Building back healthier: climate change, health and the recovery from Covid-19. Nature-based solutions as a catalyst for achieving mutual benefits for people, nature, and climate. View from the finance world on the energy transition. Find out about these and more online events of the week!

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Biodiversity & Environment

20 January, 13:00 – 14:00 CET
“Nature-Based Solutions as a Catalyst for Achieving Mutual Benefits for People, Nature, and Climate: Lessons learned from China and globally” (by China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development – CCICED and International Institute for Sustainable Development – IISD)

This virtual event will feature speakers who will share their experience on the application of nature-based solutions (NbS) to provide long-term social, ecological and economic benefits. The outcome of the event will be a practical understanding of the multiple advantages of NbS, including climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as ecological, social, and economic benefits.


Climate Finance

18 January, 14:00 – 15:30 CET
“Mobilizing investments for climate change adaptation in African food systems” (by CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security)

This is Part 3 of the “Climate resilient food systems for Africa: From evidence to action” virtual dialogue series that aims to identify modalities to mobilize investments for climate change adaptation in African food systems. Register here.

18 January, 16:00 – 17:00 CET
“The Energy Transition: A View from the Finance World” (by International Association for Energy Economics – IAEE)

This webinar will examine the Energy Transition from the view of the financial markets. It will take a look at how investors and debt providers have looked at the transition over the last decade and why 2020 could go down as a pivotal year in the fight against climate change. 2020 will be seen as the year when the financial markets began to see climate risk as investment risk and to change capital allocation away from fossil fuels to all things green and clean. This of course begs questions whether this is a short term or a long term phenomenon.


Climate Policies & COP26

18 – 21 January
“Workshop Series on Climate Risk and Risk Transfer” (by SLYCAN Trust)

Climate and disaster risk transfer mechanisms are embedded into a framework of policies related to climate change, sustainable development, and disaster management, including the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage, the National Adaptation Plan process, and the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Join the following online workshops:
– 18 January “Addressing Loss and Damage through Nationally Determined Contributions”
– 19 January “Climate and Disaster Risk Management”
– 20 January “Integrating Climate and Disaster Risk Transfer into National Policies and Climate Commitments”
– 21 January “Inclusive and Participatory Climate and Disaster Insurance”.

18 – 24 January
“Gobeshona Global Conference on Research into Action: Locally Led Adaptation Action” (by International Centre for Climate Change and Development – ICCCAD)

The event provides an opportunity to bring together a distinguished and multidisciplinary group of scholars, policy-makers, researchers and practitioners from around the world to share their knowledge, research, and practical experiences on climate change issues with a broad range of themes, focusing on Locally – Led Adaptation Action (LLA) across different geographical regions.

18 January, 14:00 – 15:00 CET
“Net Zero: How and Why?” (by University of Oxford)

Join the Oxford Net Zero Initiative’s Research Director, Professor Sam Fankhauser; Director, Professor Myles Allen; Net Zero Policy Engagement Fellow, Kaya Axelsson as they discuss with the Chair, Executive Director. Dr Steve Smith, the meaning of the word ‘net’ in net zero, reviewing what is needed to mitigate global warming, as and before we fully phase out activities that generate greenhouse gas emissions. The discussion will explore the framing opportunities and challenges that the term ‘net-zero’ offers for science, policy, and advocacy informing effective climate action, as well as the innovation required at scale to achieve the global goal. Register here or watch live on Youtube:

18 January, 14:30 – 15:15 CET
“Launch of Methane Tracker 2021 and Methane Roadmap” (by International Energy Agency – IEA)

The International Energy Agency will publish new data, analysis and policy advice on global methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. The IEA’s Methane Tracker will be updated with the latest global and country-by-country estimates of emissions for 2020. New Methane Roadmap for driving down emissions will also be released. Watch the event live here:

18 January, 16:00 – 17:30
“Europe and the U.S. – new dream team for climate action or rivals on the road to net zero?” (by Clean Energy Wire)

Two days before the inauguration of Joe Biden as U.S. president, Clean Energy Wire hosts an event exclusively for journalists, where researchers and political and business analysts share their views on what a change in U.S. leadership means for international climate policy and transatlantic cooperation on the path to net-zero emissions.

19 January, 10:00 – 11:00 or 16:00 – 17:00
“Local Governments and Municipal Authorities Roadmap Towards COP26” (by ICLEI)

Yunus Arikan, Head of ICLEI Global Advocacy orients local governments on the important issues of multilevel governance and where we are in the global climate negotiations. ICLEI acts as the focal point of the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency.

19 January, 18:30 – 19:30 CET
“How is the Environmental Crisis a Crisis of Communication?” (by NASA and Climate Outreach)

This event will consider the relationship between communication and the climate emergency. We will ask the question, how is the climate crisis a crisis of communication? To explore this, organisers have invited guests from the frontline of producing imagery and other media designed to amplify public engagement with the climate emergency. In this work there is a need to carefully balance accurate presentation of scientific observations and facts, sometimes technical in nature, with visual languages that give rise to meaningful actions at scale. The choices that designers, artists and journalists make about how to depict our planet have a significant impact on how people perceive and interact with its potential futures. As designers, what considerations do we need to take into account in our own practices? Watch the webinar live here:

19 January, 22:00 – 23:00 CET
“A new day for climate action” (by Environmental Defense Fund)

The opportunity for climate action under the Biden/Harris administration is unprecedented and we must act now to turn this opportunity into reality. Join EDF leaders on January 19 at 4:00pm ET/1:00pm PT for a discussion of the window of opportunity we have now to make a meaningful difference for the future of our climate and the health of our families and communities – while helping to build a more equitable and prosperous America for all. Watch the event livestreamed live on Facebook or Linkedin.

20 January, 02:00 – 03:00 CET
“Low Emissions Road Maps for 2030 and Beyond: The Low Emissions Cities Alliance” (by Institute for Sustainable Communities)

The Institute for Sustainable Communities convenes this webinar with Chinese and international thought leaders to reflect on the urban climate achievements of USAID’s Low Emissions Cities Alliance. Speakers will share results in supporting the development of emissions peaking roadmaps across China, and explore how these roadmaps offer critical building blocks for realizing China’s 2060 carbon neutrality pledge, including a discussion about the most promising pathways for the cities across the globe to achieve their net-zero climate ambition. Watch recording of the event here:

20 January and 21 January, 15:00 – 17:00 CET
“Global Town Hall on Border Carbon Adjustments” (by European Roundtable on Climate Change and Sustainable Transition – ERCST)

As part of the European Green Deal, implementation of a Border Carbon Adjustment (BCA) is being considered as a measure to address competitiveness concerns within the EU. According to the roadmap for the European Green Deal, and European Council conclusions from July, a proposal for a BCA for “selected sectors” will be released in 2021 and should be introduced by the end of 2022. The first day of the event will focus on global reactions to the EU’s plans to introduce a CBAM, while the second day will be devoted to engaging stakeholders in a discussion on how to calculate the economic impacts arising from a CBAM and the results of the Commission’s public consultation.

20 January, 14:00 – 15:00 CET
“How can my company move towards carbon neutrality? Effectively measuring Scope 1,2 & 3 Emissions” (by Ecochain Technologies)

Let’s start 2021 with some clear and structured sustainable action. Measuring, reporting, and managing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (scope 1, 2, and 3) is becoming more mission-critical for many companies. A good understanding of GHG impacts is, therefore, crucial, as it: (1) Enables companies to thoroughly understand their climate impacts; (2) Sparks the proper responsive actions and allows for a robust strategy; (3) Allows them to make environmental claims to stakeholders. However, this is often a long and challenging process due to the complexity of environmental calculations and a lack of robust and reliable environmental systems…

20 January, 17:00 – 18:00 CET
“Communicating lifestyle change – UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2020” (by Climate Outreach)

Climate Outreach invites you to the webinar, following the release of the UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2020 Chapter 6 – Bridging the Gap: The role of Equitable Low Carbon Lifestyles (which the organisation coordinated and lead-authored). It is the first time the EGR has included a focus on lifestyle changes (or ‘consumption emissions’) as part of its analyses of the emissions ‘gap.’ Join the chapter’s lead authors – Dr Susie Wang, Dr Stuart Capstick and Dr Radhika Khosla who will discuss the consumption problem, how to realise lifestyle change, how to communicate lifestyle change, and the way ahead.

20 January, 21:00 – 22:00 CET
“Communicating Climate Change: How to engage the public” (by Oxford Climate Society)

Climate change communication has been the subject of much research in the past decade. Despite a consensus among the scientific community on the existence and causes if not precise impacts of climate change, public engagement and political action on this issue have been weak. So if communicating more is not enough, how can we communicate better? How can we humanise and localise the issue of climate change? How can we convince people that changing their behaviour is necessary and beneficial for them, their loved ones, and their community? What is the role of fear and hope in climate change communication? How can the media report on climate change without being accused of opportunism or political bias?

21 January, 14:00 – 15:00 and 21:00 – 22:00 CET
“The En-ROADS Climate Workshop” (by Climate Interactive)

The En-ROADS Climate Workshop is a 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. Join to learn about cross-sector climate solutions, explore fascinating model dynamics, and strive to limit future warming below 2 degrees Celsius. While working from home, this online event is a fantastic opportunity for your workforce, students, or community group to learn more about climate science, policy solutions, and system dynamics while engaging with the En-ROADS simulator.

21 January, 16:00 – 18:00 CET
“European Extreme Events Climate Index – Advanced Science and Innovation for Resilient Societies” (by Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change – CMCC)

The International Foundation Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Human Development (IFAB) has the mandate to promote cooperation between public and private sectors in the field of innovative technologies. Collaboration between CMCC and Leithà resulted in the development and implementation of IFAB’s first project: the European Extreme Events Climate Index (E3CI). E3CI is a brand new, innovative operational service for weather hazard risk assessment and management.

22 January, 13:00 – 18:00 CET
“Youth for Climate Adaptation Conference” (by Klimaatadaptatie Groningen)

During the Conference, youth from all around the globe come together online and work on their contributions for the Climate Adaptation Summit. This world summit will take place on the 25th of January 2021. During the event, world leaders will come together to discuss climate adaptation and make agreements which will be turn to action. Youth will also be given the opportunity to express a text or call to action, which can be adopted by the summit as a joint declaration.


Energy Efficiency & Zero Carbon Buildings

20 January, 10:30 – 11:45 CET
“Energy Efficiency in the Time of Covid-19: Action on transport urban infrastructure and impacts to support social and economic recovery in India” (by International Energy Agency – IEA)

This webinar focuses on modal shift in cities in India in response to Covid-19. The event looks at action being taken on urban infrastructure due to the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis. It explores how social distancing and modal shift has resulted in new walk and cycle and EV infrastructure. The discussion addresses steps to ensure successful implementation, including engagement with stakeholders. It looks at ways to understand and quantify impacts in terms health benefits, data collection needs and approaches.

21 January, 14:00 – 15:00 CET
“Practical Steps to Zero Carbon Buildings: Discovery Workshop” (by IFC)

IFC invites you to a workshop to learn practical steps for designing zero carbon buildings using EDGE: a fast, easy, and more affordable way to build and brand green. The workshop will focus on concrete actions that developers, investors, building owners, and policy makers can take to design, build, and operate carbon neutral buildings. Climate science informs us that all new buildings need to be zero carbon by 2030, while existing buildings will need to be retrofitted to be zero carbon by 2050.


Renewables & Energy Transition

18 – 21 January
“Eleventh Session of the IRENA Assembly” (by International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA)

Over 1,400 delegates from more than 140 governments, the private sector and civil society will gather virtually to discuss key issues in the global energy transformation and chart the way forward for the Agency against a backdrop of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Watch recordings of events here.

19 January, 10:00 – 13:00 CET
“Shifting the energy debate forward: innovations in the Social Sciences and Humanities for Green Deal delivery” (by Energy-SHIFTS Project)

This online conference will bring together high-level policymakers and senior stakeholders and researchers linked to H2020 projects from across Europe to debate the key issues, identify challenges and think through the changes needed to further integrate social sciences in the future of European energy policymaking. Speakers will present concrete recommendations on how to advance and better design future European energy policies in the context of the upcoming research and innovation framework: Horizon Europe.

19 January, 13:00 – 14:00 CET
“Supply Chain in the MENA Solar Industry – Shift of priorities and management of risks” (by ATA Insights)

The panelist will discuss how the supply chain has been a major contributor in ensuring the protection of the workforce, maintaining operations and reducing costs during COVID 19. It will exchange views on the shift of priorities and management of risks. What changes could be expected in the organizations to successfully combine increase of competitiveness while the local content policies and regulation are getting stronger in all GCC countries? What can be expected in the next 2 years in terms of price evolution due to possible less demand or slower projects launch? Join to find out.

19 January, 19:30 – 21:00 CET
“Making 2021 the Year We Break Fossil Fuel Addiction” (by New York Times)

The Covid-19 crisis collapsed demand for energy, with oil prices falling to an astonishing -$37.63 per barrel in late April. But as the world looks toward recovery, can this shock be seized to break the global addiction to fossil fuels, or will the “new normal” end up looking much like the old one? How can we accelerate the rise in renewables to meet urgent global demand throughout the recovery? How will businesses with global operations adapt to support this transformation? And could a green recovery provide the necessary boost to strengthen commitment to the climate goals, which the world so badly needs?

20 January, 10:30 – 12:00 CET
“Social Innovation in Energy Transitions” (by SONNET project)

Engage in a discussion with representatives from cities across Europe, and Marta Strumińska-Kutra, an expert from Kozminski University. The discussion will explore ‘collaborative governance arrangements’: what that means, how it can help social innovations in energy, and what these arrangements practically mean for cities, people and local organisations.

20 January, 11:00 – 12:30 CET
“Are hydrogen technologies ready for accelerated deployment?” (by Florence School of Regulation – FSR)

It is clear now that hydrogen together with renewable electricity and energy efficiency measures are key enablers towards carbon neutrality of the EU by 2050. Also, there is a political will to deploy hydrogen in the most cost-effective way using the strength of the EU internal market. Still, there are substantial challenges in the front of broad hydrogen deployment. Are renewable and low carbon hydrogen technologies ready for accelerated deployment? Has clean hydrogen technology development followed fast political development? Are there substantial barriers? What market design elements are needed to accelerate technological progress? These are the questions we will address during our policy debate.

21 January, 10:30 – 12:00 CET
“Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act 2021 – What’s New?” (by Florence School of Regulation – FSR)

In 2000, Germany introduced the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) to encourage the generation of renewable electricity, initially via a feed-in tariff scheme. Over the course of the past two decades, various editions of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), have played a central role in the development of renewables, especially the growth of onshore wind and solar PV. The latest reformed version of the act came into effect on 1 January 2021, and contains important economic and legal innovations. In this webinar, speakers will critically examine these new terms, consider the implications of these amendments, and consider if the reform of the EU state aid guidelines alongside the new EEG may impact the development of state aid for RES in Europe. In the past, many Member State have taken their lead from Germany when it comes to supporting RES. Will Member States still be keen to follow Germany’s example with the EEG 2021?

21 January, 12:00 – 13:00 CET
“Technology to achieve net-zero: Learning from the business leaders” (by Edie)

With businesses under pressure to minimise energy costs and improve resilience, this one-hour webinar will hear from the organisations that are utilising carbon- cutting technologies and systems on the road to net-zero emissions. Discussion points: (1) Assessing the viability of rooftop solar for your business; (2) Switching to low-carbon heat and electricity for listed buildings; (3) Delivering the net-zero factory of the future, today; (4) How carbon capture and storage can support your net-zero transition.

21 January, 15:30 – 16:30 CET
“Europe’s hydrogen market: Where’s hot and where are the biggest regulatory barriers?” (by AURORA Energy Research)

In this online session participants will discuss:
(1) The most attractive markets in Europe for investing in low-carbon hydrogen (2) Regulations around hydrogen: which countries have the highest barriers to deploying hydrogen? (3) The requirements surrounding a future hydrogen pipeline network (4) The economics of hydrogen production and global imports: can imported hydrogen compete against domestic supply?

21 January, 22:30 – 23:30 CET
“Distributed generation and the need for network expansions – Smart Grid Seminar” (by Stanford University)

Electricity systems around the world are hosting increasing numbers of small generation units connected to distribution grids. Because distribution networks were designed to supply end-consumers, whether distributed generation installations reduce the need for grid expansions has raised considerable debate. Nicolas Astier will present evidence from France, where distributed generation capacities have reached over 28 GW in 2018, a ten-fold increase since 2005. He will suggest that, at least for the case of France, increases in distributed solar and wind capacity are more likely to lead to increases, rather than decreases, in the need for distribution network investments.


Sustainability

19 January, 9:00 – 10:30 CET
“How to strengthen mineral resource governance in 2021” (by Green Growth Knowledge Platform, International Resource Panel – IRP and United Nations Environment Programme – UNEP)

Join an expert discussion on mineral resource governance ahead of urgent and procedural decision making at the 5th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5). In its resolution on Mineral Resource Governance (UNEP/EA.4/L.19), the UN Environment Assembly asked UNEP to collect information on sustainable practices, identify knowledge gaps and options for implementation strategies, and undertake an overview of existing assessments of different governance initiatives and approaches relating to sustainable management of metal and mineral resources, including emerging issues linked to sustainable management of sand resources and of mine tailings…

20 January, 16:00 – 17:30 CET
“Implementing the Forest Sector SDG Roadmap” (by World Business Council for Sustainable Development)

Join this webinar to hear from members of WBCSD’s Forest Solutions Group on how they are holding themselves accountable in driving progress on the realization of the SDGs. One year on from the launch of the Forest Sector SDG Roadmap, FSG has released its first implementation report. It describes how far FSG members are in implementing the commitments made in the SDG Roadmap. The actions in the Roadmap are tied to key performance indicators allowing to take stock of the status of implementation and provide a baseline against which to track progress over time. Through the data and illustrative examples, the report explores the forest sector’s many interconnections with global development issues such as climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, or social inequality.

20 January, 16:00 – 17:30 CET
“Producer agency in certification schemes: challenges and opportunities” (by International Institute for Environment and Development – IIED)

The ‘Empowering Producers In Commercial agriculture’ initiative led by IIED generates lessons on how rural producers, their associations and wider communities can best empower themselves to articulate their development priorities, make informed choices and negotiate effectively for equitable partnerships with progressive private sector actors in commercial agriculture. Join an online event to share and debate experiences around some of the challenges and impacts of a lack of small-scale producer voice and agency in certification schemes and some ways to more meaningfully promote such voice and agency in standards setting worldwide.

21 January, 18:00 – 19:00 CET
“Building back healthier: climate change, health and the recovery from Covid-19” (by University of Oxford)

As the pandemic is brought under control from 2021 onwards, by supplementing current control methods with vaccination, there are big opportunities to sustain the benefits of lower emissions for health and well-being. The direct benefits are fewer droughts, floods, heatwaves, storms and wildfires, and cleaner air. Indirect health benefits are expected from better nutrition, safe sanitation, energy-efficient health services, and jobs in the green economy, among others. In this conversation, Sir Andy Haines (Professor of Environmental Change and Public Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine) and Chris Dye (Professor of Epidemiology, University of Oxford) consider how better health and well-being are an both argument for, and a consequence of, making progress towards “net zero” carbon emissions.

21 January, 19:00 – 20:00 CET
“Conscious Consumerism – What Do Shoppers Want and What Can Brands Do When it Comes to Climate Justice?” (by Sustainable Brands)

Shoppers are demanding more. They know that the climate crisis is affecting both the planet and people and are demanding changes. Companies large and small realize this too. They are stepping up to the plate and making commitments that not only work to fight climate change, but better address climate justice. How can we drive change to enable more shoppers to make ethical choices, more brands to engage in sustainable supply chains and more retailers not only delivering on current demand but driving future demand?

22 January, 13:00 – 14:00 CET
“Facing Uncertainty in Water Management: From Urban Water Supply to Agriculture” (by UNESCO)

This webinar will illustrate multiple ways to approach and adapt to variability and uncertainty in cases ranging from urban to agricultural settings. First, speakers will highlight the use of the Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis methodology for addressing urban water supply challenges in Asia. In the second presentation, speakers will cover the novel “Valuing Variability” concept that offers new perspectives on using water variability for food production in sub-Saharan Africa.

22 January, 15:00 – 16:30 CET
“Doughnut Economy in practice w/ Kate Raworth” (by Green European Foundation)

Creating social prosperity within the (ecological) boundaries of the planet: the doughnut model of British economist Kate Raworth is becoming increasingly popular in politics. After Amsterdam, also Brussels is committed to apply the theory for a more sustainable (local) society. On 22 January at 3 pm we talk with Kate Raworth, Barbara Trachte, State Secretary of the Brussels Capital Region, responsible for Economic Transition and Scientific Research, and Marieke Van Doorninck, alderwoman in Amsterdam for Sustainability and Spatial Planning.


Waste Management

21 January, 14:00 – 15:00 CET
“Plastics and Health” (by Geneva Environment Network)

Research has shown that exposure to plastic is expanding into new areas of the environment and the food chain, as plastic products can fragment into smaller particles and toxic chemicals. Plastic and its impact on human health remain poorly understood. Humans are exposed to a large variety of toxic chemicals and microplastics through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact, throughout the plastic lifecycle. According to WWF, on average people could be ingesting approximately five grams of plastic every week, which is the equivalent weight of a credit card. Other recent studies have also detected microplastics in human placentas. During the event, leading experts at this session will summarize the most recent research findings on the impacts of plastics on our health and discuss the current processes ongoing at the global level to address the issue.