Science-based target setting on biodiversity. Climate adaptation and resilience vision: what will success look like? World Sustainable Development Summit. Innovations for operating power systems with increasing shares of variable renewables. When and how to regulate hydrogen networks? Mini-grids of the future: renewables innovation and resiliency. Sustainability standards and environmental concerns. Discover these and more online events of the week!
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Biodiversity & Environment
9 February, 15:30 – 16:30 CET
“Mapping Together: How Local Leaders Use Collect Earth To Monitor Restoration” (by World Resources Institute – WRI and Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN – FAO)
Open Foris Collect Earth, an open-source data-collection tool that uses satellite imagery to track change in rural landscapes, can make monitoring forest and landscape restoration easier for local experts. Join WRI and FAO for the launch of a new guidebook, Mapping Together, that helps people use this program to produce locally relevant, actionable data on land use/land cover, tree cover and count, tree spatial pattern, and the added value that restoration can bring people and the environment. Collect Earth experts from El Salvador, Ethiopia, and India will present how they have brought local people together through mapathons, or collaborative mapping sessions. The event will conclude with a panel discussion on the importance of locally produced and owned data for measuring the impact of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
10 February, 15:00 – 16:00 CET
“Science-Based Target Setting on Biodiversity” (by United Nations Environment Programme’s Finance Initiative – UNEP FI and Principles for Responsible Investment – PRI)
Many companies are already setting climate science based targets (SBTs) to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Companies are now also considering nature science based targets in order to operate within planetary boundaries. During the webinar, experts will discuss: (1) What are science based targets for nature? (2) How is a net zero emission target being applied and how does this compare with science based targets for nature? (3) What needs to be considered in a methodology? (4) What are the gaps? (5) How are companies setting biodiversity targets?
11 February, 20:00 – 21:00 CET
“Securing a Future for Wild Tigers: A look beyond the numbers” (by World Wildlife Fund – WWF)
In 2010, the global wild tiger population was at an all-time low of an estimated 3,200. With the future of wild tigers at risk, leaders from 13 tiger-range countries decided it was time to act and work together towards an unprecedented goal: doubling the number of tigers in the wild by 2022, the next Chinese Lunar Year of the Tiger. WWF played a critical role in creating a shared vision for tiger conservation by partnering with the 13 tiger-range country governments and committing to the same goal. This effort, known as Tx2 is one of the most ambitious global recovery efforts ever undertaken for a single species and was a significant turning point for tiger conservation…
Climate Policy & COP26
8 February, 14:00 – 15:00 CET
“Sensitive intervention points for Net Zero” (by University of Oxford)
Achieving net zero emissions involves an economic transformation on a scale comparable to the Victorian era, when the foundations of the infrastructure used in the United Kingdom today were put in place. The scale of the transformation ahead implies that, if successful, our generation will justly be considered the “Victorians of the 21st century”. In the fourth discussion in the Oxford Net Zero Series, hosted by the Oxford Martin School, Professor Cameron Hepburn, Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment and Sugandha Srivastav consider the economics of the key technologies, which are increasingly positive. The talk examines 40 potential sensitive intervention points organised into the nine categories, with a particular focus on technological interventions to accelerate progress to net zero.
9 February, 1:00 – 1:50 CET
“Biomass Energy and Natural Climate Solutions: A Meaningful Piece of the Solutions Portfolio” (by Stanford University)
Most scenarios for ambitious decarbonization rely on photosynthesis-based technologies for a substantial fraction net GHG emissions reductions. These technologies potentially contribute emissions reductions through providing low-emissions energy, coupling with CCS to produce energy with negative emissions, increasing the carbon content of the biosphere, or decreasing emissions from land-use change. While all these options will be attractive at some scale, setting realistic targets is challenging, largely because the constraints and trade-offs for these technologies are so different than for other components of a decarbonization strategy. In general, limits imposed by land and water requirements, challenges with governance and implementation, and sensitivity to climate change argue for the expectation that these technologies will provide a meaningful, but not dominant, fraction of the decarbonization solutions portfolio throughout the 21st century.
9 February, 14:30 – 16:00 CET
“In conversation with UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) Chairs” (by European Roundtable on Climate Change and Sustainable Transition – ERCST)
During this conversation, Chair of SBSTA Mr. Tosi Mpanu Mpanu (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Chair of SBI Ms. Marianne Karlsen (Norway) will talk about prospects of the UNFCCC negotiations in 2021 and the road to COP 26 in Glasgow. After an introductory interview, there will be a Q&A session with participants.
10 February, 14:00 – 15:30 CET
“Industry decarbonisation – Hard to abate sectors” (by Vienna Energy Forum)
This event is a part of Vienna Energy Forum virtual series. Guided by the theme “Accelerating Energy Transition,” the 2021 edition of the series explore the pathways that stimulate demand and promote economic recovery in three end-use sectors: Food systems, Industry and Products. The sessions in the Industry track, such as this one, will explore the integration of sustainable energy in the industrial sector.
10 February, 15:00 – 17:45 CET
“Regulated carbon markets: an opportunity for forest conservation” (by Institute for the Sciences of Nature, Territory and Renewable Energies, Peru)
Introduction to market instruments, the main differences and key elements needed to develop a regulated market. Implementation of the regulated carbon market in Colombia: challenges and lessons learned. Main elements developed in Mexico and how they contribute to a roadmap for a regulated carbon market. Key elements for a regulated carbon market roadmap. Event held within the framework of the project: «Assessing carbon dynamics of Amazonian, coastal and Andean secondary forests in Peru».
10 February, 19:00 – 20:00 CET
“The Social Cost of Carbon: Key Scientific and Policy Considerations for the Biden Administration” (by Resources for the Future – RFF)
On his first day in office, President Joe Biden took a number of early actions to address climate change, including signing an “Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.” A key component of that order focuses on accounting for the benefits of reducing climate pollution—including revisiting and recommitting to the social cost of carbon (SCC), which estimates economic damages that would result from greenhouse gas emissions. During the event, speakers will highlight the latest SCC-related research from RFF scholars and the Climate Impact Lab. The conversation will also feature perspectives from decision-makers using the SCC to inform policy and highlight key considerations for the Biden administration’s near-term and final updates of the estimates.
11 February, 11:30 – 13:00 CET
“Climate adaptation and resilience vision: what will success look like?” (by International Institute for Environment and Development – IIED)
The impacts of climate change demand urgent action. There has been considerable attention on climate mitigation ambition in the lead up to COP26, with some strong commitments coming through and more expected. But what about adaptation and resilience? As we move towards COP26, what should our adaptation ambition look like and what more is needed in 2021 to drive a strong post-COP26 adaptation agenda?
Energy Efficiency
9 – 10 February
“EEFIG Plenary meeting 2021” (by Energy Efficiency Financial Institutions Group – EEFIG on behalf of DG ENERGY and UNEP FI)
Join the EEFIG plenary meeting to explore new energy efficiency investments across Europe. With the Renovation Wave announced last October, the European Commission aims at doubling renovation rates in the next ten years and make sure renovations lead to higher energy and resource efficiency. This will enhance the quality of life for people living in and using the buildings, reduce Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, boost digitalisation and improve the reuse and recycling of materials. However, building renovation is one of the sectors facing the largest investment gap in the EU…
Renewables & Energy Transition
8 February, 10:00 – 11:00 CET
“Solar Energy in MENA region – UAE Solar Energy Outlook” (by ATA Insights)
The Emirates have made a lot of progress towards their aggressive renewable energy and sustainability goals. By 2050, the UAE aims to produce 50% of its energy from clean sources, divided between 44% renewable energy and 6% nuclear. But 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, and the UAE is contending with low-oil prices, deploying renewables during the pandemic, and changing electricity patters, just to name a few key challenges. In this webinar, a panel of experts will analyze the outlook for solar energy in the UAE.
9 February, 10:00 – 10:45 CET
“Launch of India Energy Outlook 2021” (by International Energy Agency – IEA)
The India Energy Outlook 2021 is a new special report from the IEA’s World Energy Outlook series. The report explores the opportunities and challenges ahead for India as it seeks to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for a growing population. Using the latest available energy data, incorporating recent impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the report examines different pathways out of the crisis and the longer-term impacts on India’s energy supply, demand and investment. The India Energy Outlook is based on detailed modelling of a set of scenarios exploring how India’s energy sector might evolve between now and 2040.
9 February, 10:00 – 11:00 CET
“State of the art digitalization and telecommunication technologies for fully optimized renewable energy assets” (by ATA Insights)
One of the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic was how important it is to be able to manage flawlessly and with minimum intervention our essential infrastructure, such as electrical systems and communications networks. The increasing adoption of renewable energy in Middle Eastern countries is driving the need for innovative energy network solutions to deliver more efficient, sustainable and resilient power systems. In this webinar speakers analyze the role of digitalization and communication technologies in improving the operational efficiency of local Utilities and power producers in the Middle East.
9 February, 14:00 – 14:30 CET
“Mini-grids of the future: renewables innovation and resiliency” (by International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA)
The webinar will feature IRENA’s report Quality Infrastructure for Smart Mini-Grids. It will discuss how renewable mini-grids can be key providers of electricity access in remote areas and islands. Furthermore, interconnecting one mini-grid with another, or with the main grid, can bring multiple benefits. Grid-connected mini-grids can increase power resilience and reliability, while allowing the integration of a higher share of renewable electricity and therefore decreasing energy costs. The growth of mini-grid markets should be accompanied by a strong quality infrastructure that ensures that the implemented systems will deliver the expected services and benefits in the long term.
10 February, 14:00 – 14:45 CET
“When and how to regulate hydrogen networks? A European Energy Regulators’ White Paper” (by Florence School of Regulation – FSR)
The debate will revolve around the soon to be published joint ACER-CEER White Paper on the regulation of hydrogen markets, prepared to assist the European Commission in assessing options for a legislative package on hydrogen and energy system integration. Juan Lopez will also present the findings of a recent ACER survey of national regulatory authorities (NRA’s) concerning the technical ability of the gas transportation system to accept blended gases.
11 February, 11:00 – 12:00 CET
“Offshore Wind in Europe 2020: Trends and Statistics Webinar” (by WindEurope)
WindEurope analysts will discuss the latest developments within the European offshore wind industry, outlining key installations in offshore wind farms, supply chain activity, investment trends, and the latest policy developments.
11 February, 11:00 – 12:30 CET
“No-regret hydrogen: Charting early steps for H2 infrastructure in Europe” (by Agora Energiewende and AFRY)
Creating a climate neutral economy will require the availability of large quantities of clean hydrogen, particularly in hard-to abate industrial sectors. Such hydrogen will increasingly be produced on the basis of renewable electricity at a variety of sites in Europe. The question is: What is the most cost-effective way to deliver hydrogen to the centres of industrial demand?
11 February, 16:00 – 17:00 CET
“Innovations for Operating Power Systems with Increasing Shares of Variable Renewables – A Regional Perspective” (by International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA)
The joint webinar by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), TransnetBW GmbH, one of the TSOs in Germany and ICE, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute, aims to discuss innovative solutions for operating power systems with increasing shares of variable renewable electricity. The discussion also aims to touch upon the regional dimension, as both system operators are part of a larger regional electricity market that can facilitate integrating high shares of renewables, tapping into a larger balancing area.
12 February, 10:00 – 14:00 CET
“One step for energy transformation, a huge leap for Central and Eastern Europe: a Hydrogen Outlook on climate neutrality” (by Business and Science Poland and National Hydrogen Technology Platform Hungary)
Designing a roadmap for the EU. What is needed to increase the hydrogen consumption and build competitive market for hydrogen? Are specific quotas and targets needed to boost hydrogen demand and consumption? How to shape new policies and legislation respecting the differing starting points and technological neutrality? Building new legal framework supporting hydrogen market. Will fossil-based, low-carbon and nuclear energy-based hydrogen be secured in the upcoming legislative package? What are the priority areas and key actions for successful integration of hydrogen in energy, industry and transport sectors? How to incentivise both the supply and demand for renewable hydrogen and bridge the gap between conventional, low-carbon and renewable solutions? Join the conversation through live broadcast here.
Sustainability & Circular Economy
9 February, 12:00 – 18:30 CET
“Global Policy Forum – A Sustainable Recovery” (by New Statesman)
Join to discuss arguably the next big challenge for countries worldwide: the climate crisis and sustainable growth. Through a series of panel discussions, interviews and live Q&A’s, leaders and expert speakers will talk about how the world can move to a clean energy economy, with sessions across a range of policy areas.
9 February, 14:00 – 15:00 CET
“A Guide to Designing High-performing Eco-industrial Parks” (by Green Growth Knowledge Platform and Green Growth Working Group of the Donor Committee for Enterprise Development)
Join for a discussion on organizational models of eco-industrial parks, and an introduction to the International Framework on Eco-Industrial Parks. The webinar will feature perspectives from donor-funded agencies, the public sector and eco-industrial park management. The International Framework on Eco-Industrial Parks, commonly known as the International EIP Framework, was jointly developed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the World Bank Group (WBG) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
10 – 12 February
“World Sustainable Development Summit” (by The Energy & Resources Institute – TERI)
Marking 20 years in its journey of making ‘sustainable development’ a globally shared goal, the Summit series brings together governments, business leaders, academicians, climate scientists, youth, and the civil society in the fight against climate change. With its focus on bringing the voices of youth and women to the forefront, the Summit intends to carry forward these vital discussions from the Global South to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow.
10 February, 14:00 – 15:30 CET
“Sustainability Standards and Environmental concerns” (by Evidensia-UNFSS)
In this roundtable, speakers will discuss the potential of sustainability standards to contribute to mitigating the current environmental crisis. Key discussion questions in this dialogue are: (1) What are the opportunities and limitations of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) to address climate change, biodiversity loss and deforestation? (2) To what extent could sustainability standards contribute to the transformation of the way things are done, and to what degree could they lead the way in addressing environmental concerns? (3) How to balance productive efficiency of agriculture while preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change? Is there a role for VSS to support this balance?
10 – 11 February
“Stanford GSB Climate, Business, and Innovation Summit 2021” (by GSB Sustainable Business Club)
Over the past decades, we have watched as a changing climate has irrevocably altered our societies, disrupting food systems, displacing communities, and fueling global inequality. We, within the GSB and far beyond, have a generational opportunity to advance the momentum on climate action and build a healthier, more sustainable, more equitable future. In this year’s Summit, speakers will highlight surprising connections between climate and a wide variety of business topics, including design, investment, wine, and more. Join more than 200 Stanford GSB students, alumni and industry leaders to explore how climate change is already shaping and will continue to transform the future of every business.
Waste Management
11 February, 14:00 – 15:30 CET
“Plastics in the Life Cycle” (by Geneva Environment Network)
The Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution dialogues aim to facilitate further engagement and discussion among the stakeholders in International Geneva and beyond. In addition, they intend to address the plastic crisis and support coordinated approaches that can lead to more efficient decision making. The dialogues are organized in collaboration with the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, the Center for International Environmental Law, the Global Governance Centre at the Graduate Institute, Norway, and Switzerland.