We need to green the economy while restarting it | Nigel Topping

Name: We need to green the economy while restarting it | Nigel Topping
Uploaded: 2020-06-30T17:00:13.000Z
Duration: 1 h 20 min 46 s

Introduction to Nigel Topping and COP26

This section introduces Nigel Topping, the UK High-Level Climate Action Champion for the United Nations Climate Conference (COP26). It explains that COP26 was planned for November 2020 in Glasgow, UK but has been postponed to 2021. The significance of COP26 as a milestone in assessing progress towards climate goals is highlighted.

Nigel Topping's Role and Importance of COP26

Nigel Topping is the UK High-Level Climate Action Champion for COP26.

COP stands for Conference of the Parties, which refers to all parties involved in the UN Climate Convention.

Paris Agreement was a breakthrough moment when countries agreed on long-term goals and mechanisms.

Glasgow COP26 is crucial as it will test whether the Paris Agreement is working and if global ambition has increased.

The Paris Agreement empowered countries to set ambitious targets and review them every five years.

Countries are currently submitting revised plans, and this will be the first test of international ambition.

Discussion on Climate Change and System Change

In this section, Bruno welcomes Nigel Topping to discuss climate change and system change. They explore different perspectives on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted climate action.

Perspectives on COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact

Some view the health crisis and economic crisis caused by COVID-19 as reasons to pause climate action.

Others see the pandemic as highlighting the fragility of our economic system and society, pushing for an accelerated transition towards a cleaner future.

Understanding COP and its Importance

Bruno asks Nigel Topping to explain what COP stands for and why Glasgow COP26 is significant.

Explanation of COP and Significance of COP26

COP stands for Conference of the Parties, which includes all parties to the UN Climate Convention.

Paris Agreement was a breakthrough moment when countries agreed on long-term goals and mechanisms.

Glasgow COP26 is crucial as it will test whether the Paris Agreement is working and if global ambition has increased.

The Role of High-Level Climate Action Champion

Nigel Topping explains his role as the High-Level Climate Action Champion and how non-state actors contribute to climate action.

Role of High-Level Climate Action Champion

The role was created in Paris to work with non-state actors like businesses, investors, cities, states, and regions.

Non-state actors have a significant role in driving political and economic action on climate change.

The champion's job is to work with these actors alongside national processes to enhance ambition.

Balancing Government and Public Engagement

Nigel Topping discusses balancing engagement with governments and various stakeholders involved in climate action.

Balancing Government and Stakeholder Engagement

Governments look to citizens, investors, businesses, cities, states, and regions for input on climate action.

The champion works closely with these stakeholders who have a political voice but not a formal role.

There is a feedback loop between national governments and non-state actors in driving ambition.

Conclusion

Bruno concludes the discussion by acknowledging Nigel Topping's unique position bridging government and public engagement in climate action.

Working with Elected Politicians and Early Signals of Change

In this section, the speaker discusses the challenges of working with elected politicians and the importance of being realistic and meeting people where they are. They also highlight their role as a translator or bridge between different worlds and the significance of early signals of change.

Understanding the Realities of Working with Elected Politicians

When working with elected politicians, it becomes apparent that there is a different kind of real-world experience involved.

Elected politicians have to go through processes such as getting votes, raising money, being elected, and maintaining their position in order to have the power to bring about change.

This necessitates being realistic and understanding the challenges faced by politicians in their quest for power.

Acting as a Translator or Bridge

The speaker often acts as a translator or bridge between different worlds.

They help connect various stakeholders by understanding their perspectives and finding common ground.

This role is particularly important when it comes to early signals of change.

Importance of Early Signals of Change

Incumbent businesses and politicians tend to be cautious about embracing change too soon.

They often rely on what the majority thinks, which can blind them to early signals of change.

The speaker spends a significant amount of time searching for, amplifying, and pointing out these early signs that indicate inevitable change.

Perception vs Reality: Multilateral Efforts on Climate Change

In this section, the speaker addresses the perception that multilateral efforts on climate change are dysfunctional or stuck. They provide insights into how media coverage can focus on negatives while overlooking significant progress made in addressing climate change.

Perception vs Reality

The multilateral effort around climate change may be perceived as dysfunctional or stuck from an outsider's perspective.

Media coverage tends to emphasize negative aspects, leading to the impression that progress is lacking.

However, this perception does not align with the reality of significant advancements made in addressing climate change.

Media Bias and Cognitive Biases

The media has a cognitive bias towards highlighting negatives, often following the phrase "if it bleeds, it leads."

The coverage of events like the COP 25 conference in Madrid may have focused on protests and minor negotiation issues rather than substantial achievements.

This bias can overshadow important developments, such as increased ambition from businesses, cities, states, regions, and countries to address climate change.

Raising Ambition and Resetting Thinking

The IPCC's report on the difference between 1.5-degree warming and 2-degree warming highlighted the urgency for more ambitious actions.

Within a year after this report was published, there was a significant increase in ambition from various entities to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Despite these positive developments, media coverage often fails to adequately highlight them.

Balancing Climate Crisis and Economic Recovery

In this section, the speaker addresses concerns about balancing the urgency of addressing climate change with the need for economic recovery post-pandemic. They discuss how leaders prioritize immediate health crises over long-term climate crises but emphasize the importance of finding solutions that address both challenges.

Prioritizing Immediate Health Crisis

Leaders understandably focus more on immediate health crises rather than long-term climate crises during times of crisis.

The urgency of saving lives takes precedence over long-term sustainability concerns.

However, it is crucial to find ways to address both challenges simultaneously.

Coming Out Stronger from Crises

The real issue lies in finding solutions that allow us to emerge stronger from crises like pandemics while also tackling climate change effectively.

Balancing short-term health concerns with long-term sustainability goals requires careful planning and decision-making.

The Complexity of the Process

Addressing climate change and achieving collective action is a complex process.

It requires balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, which can be challenging to achieve.

However, it is essential to recognize that progress has been made since the Paris Agreement, but more ambitious actions are still necessary.

The Need for Urgent Climate Action amidst Economic Shock

In this section, the speaker acknowledges the global economic shock caused by the pandemic and highlights the ongoing need for radical cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. They address concerns about postponing climate action in favor of economic recovery and emphasize the importance of addressing both issues simultaneously.

Economic Shock and Climate Crisis

The world is experiencing a global economic shock due to the pandemic.

Despite this, there is an ongoing need for radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to address the climate crisis effectively.

Balancing Economic Recovery and Climate Action

Some argue for postponing climate discussions and rolling back regulations in favor of restarting the economy.

However, it is crucial to find ways to restart the economy without neglecting urgent climate action.

Concentrating on Immediate Problems

Leaders often prioritize immediate health crises over long-term sustainability concerns.

This prioritization is understandable as people's lives are at stake.

However, finding solutions that address both immediate and long-term challenges is essential.

Finding Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The focus should be on coming out of crises stronger while also addressing climate change effectively.

It requires careful planning and decision-making to ensure a sustainable future while recovering from economic shocks.

Timestamps have been associated with relevant sections using approximate time intervals.

The Impact of Climate Change and the Economic Solution

In this section, the speaker discusses the impact of climate change on various natural disasters and emphasizes the need to address it. They also highlight that addressing climate change can drive economic growth and create jobs.

The Impact of Climate Change

More temperature extremes lead to increased floods, droughts, wildfires, and typhoons.

Climate change is not a problem for future generations; it is affecting communities worldwide now.

The situation is getting worse over time.

Economic Solution to Climate Change

Addressing climate change is not only necessary but also economically beneficial.

Ignoring the science of risk and investing in dying industries instead of transitioning to sustainable jobs would be a mistake.

Investing in clean energy and green technologies can drive economic growth, build wealth, and create a cleaner and healthier world.

Transitioning Towards Sustainable Jobs

Many countries are looking to invest in cleaning their economies rather than taking steps backward.

Reviving dying industries like coal mining is not a viable solution as they are economically unsustainable.

Countries that invest in outdated industries will lose competitiveness and face job losses in the future.

Personal Realization of Climate Change's Reality

In this section, the speaker shares their personal experience that made them realize the reality of climate change. They discuss an expedition to Greenland where they witnessed firsthand the effects of melting glaciers.

Witnessing Melting Glaciers in Greenland

In 1987, during an expedition in Greenland, the speaker observed significant changes caused by melting glaciers.

They were shocked to find that the glacier had moved back 20 kilometers from its original position on their map.

This experience left no doubt in their mind about the reality of climate change.

Overcoming Challenges in Changing Complex Systems

In this section, the speaker addresses the challenges of changing complex systems and provides insights on how to approach systemic change effectively.

Understanding Complex Systems

Changing complex systems can be overwhelming due to their size and complexity.

Typically, we break down tasks into smaller parts to accomplish them efficiently.

However, when it comes to transforming systems, it is essential to have a holistic understanding of the entire system.

Mapping Levers for Change

To initiate systemic change, it is crucial to identify all the different levers that influence a particular system.

For example, in the case of reducing pollution from car production and usage, factors like technology, policy, investor mindset, and city planning need consideration.

Early signals of change should be monitored and analyzed to understand shifts in thinking or practices.

Example of Systemic Change: Car Production and Pollution Reduction

In this section, the speaker provides an example of how they approach systemic change by focusing on reducing pollution from car production.

Analyzing Levers for Change in Car Production

The speaker's team examines various factors influencing pollution from car production.

They consider not only technological advancements and policies but also investor perspectives and city planning approaches.

By analyzing these different levers for change, they aim to identify opportunities for transformation.

Monitoring Early Signals of Change

The team looks for early signals indicating changes in thinking or practices related to car production and pollution reduction.

These signals can help guide efforts towards sustainable solutions and inform decision-making processes.

Timestamps are provided at the beginning of each section.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of being an early adopter and not being too focused on predicting the future. They also mention the surprise of the youth voice in climate change activism.

Importance of Being an Early Adopter

Car companies that have committed to addressing climate change are considered early adopters.

Being open to new ideas and not fixating on predicting the future is crucial.

Surprises, such as the sudden upswing of youth activism, can significantly impact politics and decision-making.

Youth Activism and Employment Contract

Young people's awareness of climate change affects their employment choices.

Smart engineers prefer working for companies that prioritize climate change solutions.

The best young engineers interview companies to ensure they align with their purpose and values.

Shifting Signposts of the Future

The future is not a fixed destination but constantly changing due to decisions made by cities, companies, etc.

Ambitious decisions inspire others to be more ambitious or change their practices.

New Section

This section explores how young people's awareness of climate change impacts employment choices and feedback loops that shift the system over time.

Impact on Employment Choices

Young people's awareness of climate change influences their career decisions.

Engineers prefer working for companies that have a strong commitment to addressing climate change issues.

Feedback Loops Shaping the System

Feedback loops play a significant role in shifting the entire system over time.

Decisions made by individuals or organizations can influence others' actions and ambitions.

New Section

The speaker emphasizes the importance of thinking dynamically about the future rather than linearly. They provide an example related to electric vehicles on their street.

Linear vs. Dynamic Thinking about the Future

Linear and incremental thinking often fails to capture the speed at which things can change.

Even when people have knowledge about a certain topic, they are still surprised by how fast things progress.

Example: Electric Vehicles on the Street

Predicting the number of electric vehicles on their street in 2030 based on public commitments is flawed.

Factors like decreasing costs and peer influence significantly impact adoption rates.

Linear thinking disregards these dynamics and leads to inaccurate predictions.

New Section

The speaker shares an example from history to highlight the importance of challenging experts' skepticism and shaping the future we desire.

Importance of Shaping the Future

Experts often focus on why something cannot be done rather than finding solutions.

JFK's determination to land on the moon challenged skeptics, leading to significant achievements.

New Section

This section discusses how one decision or commitment can create a ripple effect and change trajectories in various sectors, using global shipping as an example.

Changing Trajectories through Commitments

Certain sectors were considered hard to abate until a report showed how zero emissions could be achieved.

The report, authored by CEOs of energy-intensive companies, changed perceptions and inspired commitments.

Maersk's commitment to net-zero shipping by 2050 influenced other companies' commitments in related industries.

Planning for Net-Zero Shipping

Maersk realized they needed a zero-carbon ship by 2030 to achieve their net-zero goal.

Long lifetime assets require early planning and implementation.

The Pressure to Build Clean Energy Infrastructure

In order to meet testing and ordering deadlines, clean energy infrastructure needs to be built by 2027. This puts pressure on making decisions about the type of technology to use, such as hydrogen or ammonia fuel cells.

Deadlines for Building Clean Energy Infrastructure

Clean energy infrastructure needs to be built by 2027.

Testing and ordering deadlines require designs to be completed by 2023 and orders placed by 2025.

Decisions about the type of technology, such as hydrogen or ammonia fuel cells, need to be made soon.

The Role of US Politics in Climate Discussion

The role of US politics in climate discussions is significant. The decisions made in the next five years will have a major impact on global climate action. The postponement of COP36 may help avoid interference from the US presidential election campaign.

Impact of US Politics on Climate Action

The decisions made in the next five years will dictate global climate action.

Postponing COP36 to avoid interference from the US presidential election campaign is beneficial.

The relationship between the USA and China, along with collaboration with India, was crucial in getting the Paris Agreement signed.

The decision of the current US administration to withdraw from Paris damages multilateral cooperation but may not have as negative an effect as it seems due to other factors at play.

Potential Consequences for the USA's Climate Ambition

While the withdrawal of the USA from Paris is damaging, there are still positive factors that contribute to climate ambition within the country. These include state-level initiatives and market forces. However, there are concerns about competitiveness and potential negative impacts on the US automotive industry.

Factors Affecting USA's Climate Ambition

The USA has a federal system, allowing power to be delegated to states, cities, companies, and universities.

Many states and cities have formed alliances, such as "We Are Still In," to continue climate action despite federal decisions.

The market economy plays a significant role in driving climate ambition.

The competitiveness of the US automotive industry may suffer if it fails to invest in electric vehicles and adhere to fuel efficiency standards.

American companies risk missing out on the growing electric vehicle market dominated by China and Europe.

Shifting Technological Trajectory for Personal Mobility

The technological trajectory for personal mobility is shifting towards electric vehicles globally. American companies need to adapt or risk losing their position in the market. State and city-level politics play a crucial role in climate action alongside federal politics.

Shifting Technological Trajectory for Personal Mobility

China and Europe are leading the shift towards electric vehicles.

American companies must adapt to this shift or face losing their position in the market.

State and city-level politics, such as California's ambitious plans, contribute significantly to climate action.

Federal politics alone do not determine climate action in the USA.

Responsibility for Rebuilding After Climate Change Consequences

There is a global responsibility to help rebuild after catastrophic climate change consequences. However, political difficulties arise due to inequalities around climate change impacts. Differentiated responsibility acknowledges that some countries cause more problems while others suffer more. Collective responsibility is important but challenging to maintain.

Responsibility for Rebuilding After Climate Change Consequences

There is a collective responsibility to prevent catastrophic climate change.

Inequalities around climate change impact political agreements on global responsibilities.

Differentiated responsibility recognizes that some countries cause more problems while others suffer more.

Maintaining a sense of collective responsibility is challenging, especially considering the limited resources allocated to global organizations like the World Health Organization.

The transcript provided does not include timestamps for the remaining content.

The Importance of the Parish Agreement and Support for Countries in Crisis

This section discusses the significance of the parish agreement and the negotiations surrounding provisions for "loss and damage" support. It also mentions the current cyclone crisis in India.

Negotiations on Loss and Damage Support

The parish agreement is crucial due to its difficulty.

Negotiations were being made regarding provisions for "loss and damage" support.

The current cyclone crisis in India highlights the need for collective support for countries facing such crises.

China's Energy Paradox: Leading in Solar but Building Coal Plants

This section focuses on China's role as a leader in solar energy while simultaneously building coal plants, highlighting the paradoxical nature of its energy strategy.

China's Complex Situation

China is a complex country with significant advancements in solar, wind, and electrification.

Despite reducing carbon intensity, China still has a high energy demand.

Coal-fired power stations in China have low utilization levels due to increased renewable power generation.

Employment politics complicate transitioning away from coal mining industries.

Just transition is essential to manage social dislocation during the energy transition process.

Challenges and Transition Strategies for China

This section explores some challenges faced by China regarding coal usage and their efforts towards transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Managing Transition Challenges

There may be knee-jerk reactions to keep people employed by building more coal power stations temporarily.

China is also concerned about social unrest caused by air pollution in cities, pushing them towards cleaner energy sources.

China aims to wean itself off coal and has set a trajectory for transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Germany faces similar challenges with coal usage and the need for managing transitions.

Early Signals of Change and Importance of Hope

This section discusses the importance of focusing on early signals of change and maintaining hope despite the prevalence of doom and gloom narratives surrounding climate change.

Shifting Focus from Doom to Hope

It is important not to dwell too much on gloomy books but instead focus on taking action.

Early signals of change and positive news often go unnoticed but are crucial for motivation.

Choosing to act in the belief that we can avoid the worst effects of climate change is essential.

The transcript provided does not cover the entire video.

The Power of Accountability and Renewable Energy

In this section, the speaker discusses the impact of holding the previous generation accountable for climate change. They also highlight the decreasing costs of renewable energy sources.

Holding Previous Generation Accountable

Policy makers acknowledge that accountability has changed politics forever.

CEOs are being questioned by their children about their actions regarding climate change.

This accountability creates a powerful signal for change.

Decreasing Costs of Renewables

The cost of solar energy has decreased by 80% in the last 10 years.

Battery storage costs are reducing by 17% annually.

Electric vehicles are expected to be cheaper than combustion engine cars by 2030.

Even oil companies are starting to make net zero commitments.

Signs of Exponential Change and Urgency

In this section, the speaker highlights signs of exponential change in various sectors and emphasizes the urgency to act quickly.

Exponential change is evident across countries, communities, and sectors.

The pace of change is increasing rapidly.

By the time of the Glasgow conference (COP26), it will be clear that action on climate change is inevitable and accelerating.

To avoid missing out, it is crucial to align with sustainable practices promptly.

Timing of COP26 Conference

Here, the speaker addresses questions about when the COP26 conference will take place and explains some considerations for determining its timing.

The decision on when to hold COP26 is made by a body called the COP Bureau.

Currently, it seems more likely that it will be held later in the year due to various factors such as local elections in May and European football championships in June.

Possible timing options include July or August, but these have their own challenges.

The smart money is on the conference taking place in the autumn.

Grassroots Efforts and Systemic Change

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of grassroots efforts and their connection to systemic change.

Grassroots movements are part of the system and contribute to systemic change.

Actions such as protests and questioning companies' climate actions create pressure for change.

Small actions can have a significant impact, whether it's millions of people protesting or individuals challenging institutions.

CEOs pay attention when young people and university students express dissatisfaction with their company's trajectory.

Overcoming Overwhelm and Individual Action

Here, the speaker addresses feelings of overwhelm and provides guidance on individual action to combat climate change.

Feeling overwhelmed is normal given the magnitude of the challenge.

It is important not to get stuck in overwhelm but instead seek out ideas from books and other sources on what individuals can do.

Every individual has agency and can contribute meaningfully to fighting climate change.

Taking small actions, such as changing personal habits or advocating for change within institutions, can make a difference.

Due to limitations in available timestamps, some sections may not have specific timestamps associated with them.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses various actions individuals can take to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Taking Action for Sustainability

Individuals can transition to using shared electric cars instead of purchasing new vehicles, which helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Upgrading capital equipment like boilers or stoves from gas to electric can shift energy consumption from fossil fuels to renewable power sources.

Evaluating and adjusting dietary choices, such as reducing consumption of intensively farmed meat, can have a positive impact on personal health and the environment.

When flying frequently, individuals can consider offsetting their carbon footprint by investing in technologies that help reduce emissions.

Engaging with Institutions

Students can inquire about their school or university's plan to achieve net-zero emissions and how they handle investments related to sustainability.

Pension fund holders should ask their fund managers about their approach towards sustainable investments.

Employees can engage with their companies regarding net-zero plans and encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices.

Persistence and Collaboration

It is important not to give up when advocating for change, as one question or action could lead to a significant policy shift at an organization.

Collaborating with like-minded individuals who share the same goals and aspirations for a sustainable future is crucial in driving meaningful change.

The transcript was provided in English language format, so the notes are also written in English using markdown format.