Organized by UNECE in cooperation with

Panel of experts moderated by Scott Foster, Director, Sustainable Energy Division, UNECE

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time.  Equally important, however is the need to ensure access to energy for quality of life and for economic development.

Fossil fuels comprise 80% of current global primary energy demand, and the energy system is the source of approximately 2/3 of global greenhouse gas emissions.  Inasmuch as emissions of methane and other short-lived climate pollutants are believed to be underestimated, it is likely that energy production and use represent an even greater share of emissions.  If current trends continue - in other words, nearly doubling energy demand to 2050 while maintaining the current share of fossil energy - emissions will greatly surpass the amount of carbon that can be emitted if the global average temperature rise is to be limited to 2 degrees Celsius.  Continuing business as usual with its corresponding level of emissions would have disastrous climate consequences for the planet.

The need to reduce emissions does not preclude the use of fossil fuels, but it does require a significant change from current practice.  Fossil fuels will be part of the global energy system for decades to come whether we like it or not -- energy efficiency and renewables are key elements of meeting climate goals, but they are not enough.  From this perspective it is essential to have an open and transparent discussion on the role of fossil fuels in sustainable energy systems as the world devises pragmatic but effective climate strategies. It is especially important to engage emerging economies and developing countries in the context of COP21 and the years beyond.
This event will explore global energy challenges and how fossil fuels can move from being only a problem to becoming part of the solution.  Our panel will address questions such as:
 
Are fossil fuels really needed in the future energy system?
Can fossil fuel use be “sustainable”?
Why is progress so slow in shifting to low-carbon technologies ?

PANELISTS
Adrian Dellecker, Head, Policy and Research, WWF
Barry K. Worthington, Executive Director of the US Energy Association and Chair of UNECE Group of Experts on Cleaner Electricity Production from Fossil Fuels
Nick Belinger, President, Swisscleantech
Mats Fredriksson, Director, International Gas Union
Joëlle Noailly,  Head of Research, Centre for International Environmental Studies, Graduate Institute

BACKGROUND
This event is the third in a series of energy conversations that bring together Geneva-based and international energy experts to discuss persistent questions related to sustainable energy and climate change from another angle. The aim is to propose innovative approaches or introduce elements for practical solutions with a view to share ideas that are inspirational, can change attitudes and contribute to a real energy revolution. Developed in partnership with the Graduate Institute Geneva, this third event will be held in the context of UNECE’s 24th Session of the Committee on Sustainable Energy Meeting: Pathways to Sustainable Energy from 18 – 20 November, 2015.

PREVIOUS GENEVA ENERGY CONVERSATIONS

2nd Geneva Energy Conversations: Scenarios for Sustainable Energy (26 May 2015, Graduate Institute, Geneva)

1st Geneva Energy Conversations - Putting the genie back: Two degrees will be harder than we think (19 November 2014, Graduate Institute, Geneva)