5 minutes read

The 28th UNFCCC Climate Conference (COP28 UAE) will be an important event for several reasons, not least because it marks the conclusion of the first global inventory (GST), the main mechanism through which progress under the Paris Agreement is assessed. Alongside this, the start-up and functioning of the Loss and Damage Fund (established at COP27), agreement on a development framework for the global adaptation goals decided during the Paris Agreement (GGA), energy transition, transformation of food systems, and climate finance will be focal topics.

With over 70,000 participants expected, COP28 will be a meeting point for thousands of experts, stakeholders, political personalities, and negotiators, who will discuss the most important topics related to climate change.

In this context, FEEM, as a non-profit foundation in the field of economic, environmental and energy research, will attend the COP to offer a compass for understanding the many issues at stake, with scientific insights modulated for easy fruition by a general audience.

The FEEM’s Director, Alessandro Lanza, will attend the Conference to follow the development of the negotiations. FEEM researchers will follow the work of the Conference, producing thematic insights on the topics at the centre of the debate each day. The Director, the Director of Research and some Program Directors will also follow the work of the COP – partly from Dubai and partly from the Foundation’s offices in Milan and Rome – and will be available to produce daily commentary on the status of the negotiations.

The topics covered will follow the thematic days of the COP and will include, among others:

  • an introduction to the COP, its role and objectives;
  • health in relation to climate change;
  • the link between sustainable development and peace;
  • sustainable finance;
  • a just transition, in terms of gender equality and social equity;
  • the prospects for the energy industry and the possibilities offered by new technologies;
  • the role of climate action at local level;
  • the future of transport;
  • education and skills for the green transition;
  • land use;
  • the nexus between food, agriculture and water;
  • a final reflection on the results of the negotiations.

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In the framework of COP 28 UAE, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) takes part in the following events:

1) Energy Transition in the Mediterranean and Africa: Needs and Perspectives
5th December, 14:00-15:00 GST/11:00-12:00
COP28, Dubai – UAE, Mediterranean Coalition Office

Organiser
Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA)

FEEM Speaker
Federico Pontoni, Technologies For The Energy Transition – TET Research Programme Director

Abstract
The transition to clean and sustainable energy sources is a global imperative that serves the dual purpose of addressing climate change and fostering socio-economic development. The Mediterranean region and Africa, endowed with abundant renewable energy resources and diverse energy needs, play a pivotal role in spearheading this energy transformation. The capacities of solar and wind need to be considered as well as factors such as a sustainable energy supply and expanding energy access. In line with recent developments, such as the  Russian war in Ukraine and the EU’s Hydrogen Corridor in the Southern Neighbourhood and various EU-Southern Neighbourhood Green Partnerships, this event seeks explore the current paths for energy transition in the Mediterranean and Africa and consider future scenarios. Moreover, this event seeks to bring into the discussion the role of the African civil society, investigating the main challenges and opportunities for the region and the possible conflicting interests at stake.

Event webpage
LINK

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2) Sustainable Energy Imports
5th December, 12:00-13:30 UHR
Hybrid

Organiser
Friedrich Naumann Foundation

FEEM Speaker
Federico Pontoni, Technologies For The Energy Transition – TET Research Programme Director

Abstract

Germany and Europe will still strongly depend on energy imports in the future. In order to align the energy needs with the climate protection commitments and the Paris Agreement, these imports will have to be sourced from sustainable sources while also allowing for a higher degree of political resilience in the future. Thus, a portfolio strategy regarding energy sources, energy mediums and partnerships is needed. The study discusses these straightforward aspects, while also including existing trading relationships, cost structures and institutional reliability into the analysis. The speakers of this online event, streamed for the Mediterranean Coalition’s space at the COP28, will include Hakima El Haité, President of Liberal International, as well as Professor Federico Pontoni, Program Director of Technology for the Energy Transition Research Program at FEEM, and Dr. Sebastian Kahlbau, Partner at Consulting4Drive. The session will be moderated by Maximilian Luz Reinhardt, Consultant for economy and sustainability at FNF’s Liberal Institute.

Event webpage
LINK

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3) The sustainable future of the GCC moving from regional to global electrical interconnections
9th December, 13:30-15:00
COP28, Dubai – Italian Pavillion

Organiser
CESI S.p.A. (International Study Center)

FEEM Speaker
Federico Pontoni, Technologies For The Energy Transition – TET Research Programme Director

Event webpage
LINK

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4) Reimagining NDCs: Unlocking the potential of sustainable lifestyles
6th December, 13:00-14:30 CET (16:00-17:30 GST)
Zoom, Online

Organiser
Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe

FEEM Speaker
Laura Cavalli, 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development – ASD Research Programme Director

Abstract
COP28 represents a crucial moment in the global fight against climate change. While the Paris Agreement lays out the foundations for climate action, the role of governments, individuals, communities, and businesses in achieving our climate goals cannot be underestimated. Behavioural and lifestyle change are pivotal in driving sustainable practices and enhancing the effectiveness of national climate plans but remain largely ignored so far. This event builds upon the experience from the Horizon2020 “CAMPAIGNers” research project and seeks to advance discussion on integrating lifestyle change into UNFCCC and its implementing measures.

Event webpage
LINK