IRENA to convene a global conversation at COP23 on the centrality of renewables in efforts to combat climate change

The adoption and entry into force of the Paris Agreement represented an unprecedented global deal to take deliberate and concerted action to combat climate change and keep the global temperature rise below two or even one-and-a-half degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

To meet even the less stringent of the two Paris goals, the global energy system needs to be fully decarbonized by 2060, despite an expected tripling of global GDP during the same period. This requires a more than seven-fold increase in the deployment of renewables compared to the growth that we have seen over the past decade, with renewables comprising two-thirds of global energy supply by 2050.

From 06 to 17 November 2017, IRENA is convening a global conversation at the upcoming United Nations Framework on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP23) in Bonn on the centrality of renewables in efforts to combat climate change.

As the world’s platform for renewable energy cooperation, IRENA is uniquely positioned to bring together governments, industry, civil society and individuals to identify ways to accelerate and deepen the decarbonisation of the global economy.

IRENA’s activities at COP fall into four main areas:

Energy Day: Energy Day at COP23 will tell the story of the ongoing energy transformation, showcase success stories, take stock of commitments made, and offer recommendations on the way forward. Participants will share their visions for the future of energy; companies will describe why they are going 100% renewable, leaders of energy efficiency initiatives will demonstrate the business case for their work; state, region and city leaders will discuss ambitious climate and clean energy policies; and industry leaders will showcase innovation and breakthroughs in their fields. Speakers will also identify obstacles and challenges, and the means to overcome them.

10 Nov 2017, Location TBC – 10:00-11:30 (Session I), 11:30-13:00 (Session II), 14:00-16:00 (Session III), 16:15-17:30 (Session IV)

Renewable Energy Day: IRENA, in partnership with the Governments of Fiji, Germany and the United Arab Emirates, and Deutsche Post DHL, is hosting a high-level event to explore cutting-edge ideas and innovations at the forefront of renewable energy. The event brings together leading actors in the energy sector to highlight success stories of cross-border and cross-sector integration and cooperation, and engaging a broad spectrum of actors to explore paradigm-shifting approaches and technologies.

12 Nov 2017, DHL Posttower Building, 09:00-18:00

SIDS Day: To draw attention to the unique context of small island developing states (SIDS) with regards to the global energy transformation, IRENA is dedicating a full day of SIDS-focused programming at the IRENA Pavilion. IRENA’s SIDS work at COP23 will culminate in a high-level ministerial discussion and reception at the Bonn Art Museum (Kunstmuseum). The discussion will take place within the framework of IRENA’s SIDS Lighthouses Initiative and presents an opportunity for leaders to share their priorities with regards to climate change.

13 Nov 2017, SIDS Energy Day, IRENA Pavilion, 10:00-17:00. High-Level Dialogue and Reception, Kunstmuseum, 18:30-21:00

Implementing renewable energy targets in African NDCs: With a burgeoning population and rapid economic growth, Africa has among the world’s highest potential energy demand. Furthermore, 52 out of 54 African countries mention renewable energy in their NDCs, generating strong potential to drive rapid growth in renewable energy capacity through 2030. The side event will explore the role of climate policies in facilitating financial flows to renewable energy projects, on leveraging sustainable private finance, and risk mitigation.

15 Nov 2017, 15:00-16:30, Meeting Room 6 (300)

IRENA Pavilion: IRENA is the hub for renewable energy-related activities at COP23 and is convening a series of renewables events, exhibitions and discussions. As part of this, IRENA is hosting a renewable energy pavilion. The pavilion will feature a rich diversity of presentations, talks, information and media events from IRENA and partner organizations throughout COP23.

6-17 Nov 2017, Bonn Zone

#Renewables4Climate (Ongoing): The IRENA Coalition for Action, a global network of private companies, industry associations, organisations, research institutes and civil society members, has developed a joint campaign for COP23 that aims to raise awareness about renewable energy as a key solution to climate change. The campaign calls on members of the public to join the global conversation by tagging any renewable energy-related content before, during and after COP23 with the #renewables4climate, highlighting the actions that they as individuals or as representatives of an organization, community or company, are taking to deploy renewables as a solution to climate change. www.renewables4climate.org

Public Awareness (Ongoing): In addition to a full complement of high-level engagements, side events, and targeted campaigns, IRENA is conducting a public awareness campaign throughout the city of Bonn during COP to raise awareness about the benefits of renewable energy, the need to accelerate the decarbonisation of the global economy. Installations include a renewable-energy themed tram and photo cubes, among others.

If you are attending COP and would like to know more about IRENA’s work to advance the decarbonisation of the world economy, support the energy transformation of small island developing states, and provide electricity access to all, or to sign up for one of IRENA’s events, please visit the IRENA Pavilion.

Source: irenanewsroom.org