Susan Nickey’s Post

Efficiency First, Right? I had a debate some time ago with thought buddies about efficiency. Can you find examples of efficiency in nature? Is efficiency natural? Efficiency would mean lower consumption, so doesn't it go against our faith in consumption to drive growth and thus make us all wealthier? Efficiency is pointless. If you invest in efficiency, then you have to pay for that, so why not just save the cash and pay for the resource you didn't get to use because of inefficiency? Efficiency causes consumption growth, (Jevon's Paradox) because when you get more efficient then you save money so you can afford to use more so you use more. And finally - Efficiency is the only way to survive when faced with constraints. If there is less then you have to make do with less, and efficiency lets you do that without reducing benefit. In this discussion, you will hear about a company that invests in efficiency projects because it is the obvious thing to do. That is what I was taught in engineering school! #transitionengineering

The success of the energy transition in the US hinges on effective implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act. Last November, our 2023 GreenTech Conference brought together a cross-section of government, industry, nonprofit, and community leaders to discuss major challenges to successful implementation, as well as possible solutions. Here are a few of our takeaways: 1) Rapid climate action is essential, but it must be balanced with time-intensive processes for community engagement and trust-building. 2) Scaling up renewable energy at the pace needed to meet climate goals requires streamlining the permitting process and reshaping regulations. However, it's crucial to balance efficiency with accountability, in order to ensure equity, justice, and market success. You can read more of our key takeaways, including major challenges identified, areas of common ground, and focus areas for future action here: https://lnkd.in/eZRzdpjz Shoutout to our amazing rapporteurs for helping us synthesize the key takeaways from the conference: Robert Stout, Lydia Slobodian, Carrie Jenks, Matthew Goetz, Tim Profeta, and Stacey Sublett Halliday!

There is no single pathway to decarbonisation. Amidst increasing geopolitical fragmentation, how can we leverage scalable policy levers and innovative climate solutions to fast-track the green transition? Hear from panellists like Tim Gould, Chief Energy Economist, International Energy Agency (IEA), on what needs to be done and how innovative business and investment models, new technologies and progressive policies can accelerate decarbonisation at #Ecosperity Week by Temasek on 15 April 2024. Learn more about the programme and speakers here: https://lnkd.in/gsFHYUru

In the middle of a heatwave, I am representing Rabin Martin at the London Climate Action Week's Climate Action | Innovation Forum 2024. How ironic… Today, we are discussing the importance of private sector investment in addressing climate change and the need for policy accountability, support, and stability. There needs to be a urgent focus on sustainable energy solutions to overcome barriers like low ROI in renewables and reliance on harmful emissions. Investment in infrastructure crucial for successful transition. Key action items: 1. 70% of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, we must address the role of cities and climate action, including building sustainable and appropriate infrastructure to meet demand. 2. Data is the key to unlocking issues and directing investment – around data use to identify issues, challenges, IPO moratoriums, and infrastructure barriers. 3. Scaling of innovative solutions that can improve energy access and standards, particularly addressing health equity issues such as gender. 4. Sector-specific implementation pathways to support countries' climate commitments. 5. Address barriers to private investment like risk perception, cost of capital, and lack of local presence for investors in Africa. 6. Health systems need financing to adapt to the impact of climate change, and education is needed for healthcare companies to support meaningful ESG commitments. We must continue to share experiences on overcoming challenges to accelerate climate action, but discussion must be complemented with commitment from all stakeholders including private sector and governments. #climateactionweek #climatechange #healthequity

Interesting. If looking at these top 10 countries building the greenest future, you might think this is a ranking for Europe countries. https://lnkd.in/gXmTbyDP (The source - MIT Technology Review https://lnkd.in/g3emr4Hf - The overall rankings tab shows the performance of the examined economies relative to each other and aggregates scores generated across the following five pillars: Carbon emissions, Energy transition, Green society, Clean innovation, and Climate policy.) #ClimateTech #CleanTech #energytransition #sustainability #greeneconomy #carbonemissions #netzero

The conference, "Billions to Trillions: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as a Catalyst for Private Investment," hosted by the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business on 2/28, was exceedingly well-produced. The blue-chip speakers represented critical sectors, including renewables, capital sources, material suppliers, government, and philanthropy. The sessions underscored the need for the durability of the IRA to reduce uncertainty for private investment and to deploy capital for projects that can reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Congratulations to the faculty and speakers for producing this impactful event! I was surprised at the need for more discussion about the "hidden" environmental costs of scaling these new energy sources. These projects will transform our automobile industry and generate massive amounts of electricity to power data centers, driving unprecedented demand for freshwater and pushing infrastructure into secondary markets and rural areas, impacting biodiversity and other natural resources.  Avoiding this discussion underscores how we continue to undervalue the natural resources that support ~50% of global GDP. The IRA is transformative legislation and it is a critical tool for our country to maintain its leadership position in the global economy. Concurrently, we need policies and incentives that encourage private sector investment in voluntary nature-based solutions that improve watershed health, enhance biodiversity, and recharge groundwater and aquifers to mitigate the effects of climate change.

“We shouldn’t just look at what the needs are today – we need to look at the future energy system we want to make a more just, equitable society for all.” To accelerate a just and equitable energy transition, Nicole Iseppi, Director of Global Energy Innovation at the Bezos Earth Fund, emphasizes the need for systems change.   Download the State of Climate Action report to learn where action must accelerate this decade across energy and other high-emitting sectors ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sSJold

The European energy transition has been gaining much attention in recent years, as countries strive to meet international targets for net-zero emissions and tackle climate change. Leading the charge are five countries in particular, who have collectively demonstrated a commitment to a cleaner, greener future. By leading the way in sustaining Europe's planet, these five countries are paving the way for a more sustainable world for generations to come. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #climatechange

Finally getting around to tackling this book from Bill Gates, ‘How to Avoid a Climate Disaster - The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need’ In it, Bill Gates focusses on technology and builds on his experience of the innovation required to scale new ideas. He highlights how his focus on the issue of energy poverty led him to the issue of climate change. From the book: “Eventually it sank in. The world needs to provide more energy so the poorest can thrive, but we need to provide that energy without releasing any more greenhouse gases. Now the problem seemed even harder. It wasn't enough to deliver cheap, reliable energy for the poor. It also had to be clean.” The book highlights the work of Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which “is a group of investors who are working together in a fund that is patient, flexible, and committed to the guiding principles of Breakthrough Energy—including supporting net-zero emissions technology and ensuring affordable, reliable, and clean energy for all.” Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Breakthrough Energy #energypoverty #climatechange #technology #climatetech #renewableenergy

DRY POWDER IN THE BILLIONS: Key Takeaways from the POLITICO Energy Summit 2024 The future of energy stands at a critical juncture in 2024, with policymakers and industry leaders shaping new rules, investments, and technologies. I had the pleasure of attending the POLITICO Energy Summit in D.C., where top voices examined the shifting global policy environment amid major elections in the U.S. and around the world. Here are my key insights from a power packed day. 1. Emissions Reduction: There is a major focus on achieving significant emissions reductions by 2030, aligning with the Paris Agreement's objectives.  Implementation of the Paris Agreement requires economic and social transformation.  2. Awareness: 70-80% of Americans have experienced the effects of climate change, underscoring the urgency of action. Climate change is a top issue for youth. 3. Role of the Private Sector: The private sector's technology, capital, strategic execution, and boots on the ground are crucial to support government efforts, drive energy innovation, and meet environmental justice goals. 4. Public-Private Partnerships: With billions in dry powder waiting to be deployed, these partnerships, along with regulatory certainty, and bi-partician support are essential to unlocking and deploying funds quickly. 5. Social Impact and Environmental Justice: Building a culture of inclusion and value is critical for the success of clean energy initiatives. If we don't achieve measurable and sustainable impact, communities will never recover from the inequities they face today. It's imperative that the benefits and investments of clean energy reach all, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. At Maple & Monroe: Global Social Impact Think & Do Tank we are excited to use our seat at the table to ensure that all communities are included and benefit from the shift to a sustainable energy future. What are your thoughts on the transition to #cleanenergy? Have you experienced the impact of climate change. If so how? #thoughtleader #thoughtleadership #sustainability #socialimpact #politicolive #politicoenergy #csr #esg #thinktank #thinkdotank