Energy and Climate Policy

Panelists discuss the intersection of climate change and national security, the emerging challenges for defense, and how the U.S. military is adapting to address these evolving threats.  

Despite contributing less than 0.01% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the country of Barbados faces dangerous vulnerabilities due to climate change. Prime Minister Mia Mottley discusses the need to support developing countries in addressing climate change, including global financial reforms such as the Bridgetown Initiative, and solutions for creating a sustainable and resilient future.  

Panelists discuss the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), a 5-year joint initiative launched in 2021 and co-led by the United States and the United Arab Emirates, and the importance of investing in climate-smart agriculture and food system innovation. For further information, please see www.aimforclimate.org.

Dr. Fatih Birol has served as Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) since 2015. He has overseen a comprehensive modernization program making the agency the global hub for clean energy transitions and broadening its energy security mandate. In this discussion, Fatih Birol shares his perspectives on the current state of global energy markets, new and emerging risks to energy security, the geopolitics of the energy transition, the implications for the global economy, and prospects for limiting global warming. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Using visual mediums and narratives, an artist and a documentary producer discuss the urgent challenges of climate change and what it will take to solve the climate crisis through science, the power of collective action, and a myriad of hopeful efforts currently underway. Oliver Jeffers produced exclusive art for this CFR event which was on display for viewing during the reception.  

In a conversation with David Miliband, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta discusses the relationship between climate vulnerability and conflict zones. In the lead-up to COP29, he shares how the United States is boosting climate resiliency and adaptation to support communities around the globe affected by both climate and conflict.