Εκδηλώσεις

Date and Time: Friday, November 15, from 17:00 to 18:00 local time
Venue: Buta (Special Events Room), Blue Zone
Organized by: AE4RIA and SDSN Global Climate Hub

Context and Background

Climate change stands as the defining challenge of the 21st century. According to the IPCC’s 2023 Synthesis Report, “Human activities, primarily through greenhouse gas emissions, have unequivocally caused global warming,” with temperatures rising 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. The urgency to fulfill the 2015 Paris Agreement’s goals is paramount, calling for collective efforts to reduce emissions, protect biodiversity, and increase climate resilience. Despite this, current climate finance falls significantly short. The Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) projects a need for a 590% increase in climate finance to reach 2030 international targets.

Although global adaptation finance grew to USD $63 billion in 2022, this sum remains under 5% of total climate finance and largely depends on public funding. Securing adequate adaptation funding is crucial yet remains challenging, particularly for regional authorities who face economic pressures and budget constraints exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As traditional financing sources struggle to meet the needs of green technology projects, new financial instruments and funding models are emerging as key alternatives.

Session Description

This session will address the gap between traditional financing sources and the funding needs for green technology, climate mitigation, and adaptation projects. Experts will discuss innovative financial tools and mechanisms that are empowering stakeholders in the climate sector. Topics include the role of non-state actors like the private sector, as well as how research and innovation support sustainable financing longevity.

Key Themes:

• The financial challenges faced by regions and cities in achieving net-zero targets and climate resilience.
• Strategic barriers to accessing funding for climate projects and adaptation initiatives.
• Case studies showcasing novel financial tools and intermediary roles, such as innovation accelerators, online platforms, and project preparation facilities.
• The importance of well-planned Adaptation Investment Strategies aligned with actionable financial plans.

Strategic Goals and Expected Impact

• Highlight Global Climate Finance Trends: Showcase recent trends, figures, and implications for regional and city-level climate initiatives.
• Innovative Financial Solutions: Present novel financial instruments and schemes tailored to regional climate investment needs.
• Role of Research & Innovation: Emphasize how R&D projects contribute to both funding and capacity building for sustainability.
• Supportive Infrastructure: Discuss the importance of platforms, Project Preparation Facilities (PPFs), accelerators, and knowledge hubs.
• Policy as a Catalyst: Examine how policy frameworks can unlock private investment for climate initiatives.

Innovative Solutions Showcased

This session will present groundbreaking approaches to climate finance, focusing on how new financial instruments and the active role of non-state actors are revolutionizing adaptation and mitigation efforts in cities and regions.

Deliverables and Key Takeaways

Participants will gain practical insights into innovative climate finance options, including nontraditional funding routes that enhance adaptation and mitigation efforts across urban and regional landscapes.

Agenda 

Moderator:
Prof. Phoebe Koundouri
Athens University of Economics and Business & Technical University of Denmark; President, World Council of Environmental and Resource Economists Associations; Chair, SDSN Global Climate Hub; Director, AE4RIA

Panelists:

• María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Defense of Ecuador; Former President of the UN General Assembly, Executive Director, GWL Voices for Change and Inclusion.
• Dr. Ebun Akinsete,Senior Researcher AE4RIA network, co- chair SDSN Greece
• Dr. Shaun Fitzgerald, Director of the Centre for Climate Repair; Director of Research for Cambridge Zero, Cambridge University
• Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, Executive Director, Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity
• Dr. Conrad Landis, Adjunct Professor Athens University of Economics and Business; Senior Researcher AE4RIA network
• Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, President, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network; Columbia University