Europe's Climate Change Response
Adaption and Mitigation in an Uncertain World 

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre, Brussels

Wednesday 5^th July 2017

Dirk Röttgers
Climate Finance and Investment
OECD

Event Details  Website  Register to Attend

Climate change poses one of the greatest anthropogenic threats to modern life across the globe. The risks include biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, meteorological extremes, instability of global food systems, floods, droughts, and the irreversible modification of our living environment. Despite Europe’s rhetorical commitment to fighting climate change, the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) estimates that surface temperatures are projected to rise over the 21st century under all assessed emission scenarios. Furthermore, the European Environment Agency estimates that the total reported economic damage caused by climate-related extremes in Europe over the last four decades is close to 400 billion Euros. Thus, mitigating climate change is now a political and economic necessity, despite a recent rise of climate-sceptic governance and severe disagreement on how the costs of mitigation will be distributed. It is imperative that the EU steps up with ambitious targets and becomes a world leader in an inclusive energy transition.

In 2014 the European Commission introduced the 2030 Climate and Energy Package, setting out three key targets; a 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, a 27% target for renewable energy use, and a 27% increase in energy efficiency. Forthcoming legislative changes also include modifications to the EU-ETS (Emissions Trading System), and the Effort Sharing Regulation. These efforts underpin ambitions for a low carbon economy by 2050, with the EU aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels. However, the Commission calculates that the realisation of this objective would require a projected additional investment of €270 billion.

There is no silver bullet in climate policy, and Europe takes a multi-dimensional approach to tackling the issue. At the global level, the Paris Agreement, signed by 195 nations, came into force in November 2016, aiming to limit further temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius. With the stakes so high, many outstanding challenges remain, such as guaranteeing a successful transition to low-carbon technologies, ensuring clean, secure, renewable energy supplies, and delivering change in a cost efficient and timely manner. Such legislative changes will impact businesses, corporations, consumers and civil society alike, demonstrating the need for clear and effective dialogue.

This international symposium will provide delegates with an invaluable opportunity to assess Europe’s approach to tackling climate change and discuss possible pathways for innovation, adaption and mitigation. The event will also enable delegates to share best practice and knowledge on strategies for an inclusive and socially responsible transition to clean energy sources. The conference will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.

Delegates will:

• Analyse the EU’s current approach to fighting climate change, and progress made towards 2030 targets
• Explore possible innovative solutions and mechanisms for businesses to limit GHG emissions
• Share up-to-date knowledge of climate mitigation and adaption strategies and the role of climate finance in fostering transitions to low-carbon technology
• Share best practices and exchange ideas on managing aviation emissions and the functioning of market based mechanisms to address climate change
• Gain knowledge and insights on the future Clean Energy Package and the state of the Energy Union
• Take part in lively and interactive discussions with key stakeholders in the field of climate and environmental policy
• Build partnerships for cross border collaboration in the field of climate adaption
• Assess how to pre-empt and collaboratively address emerging risks 

For further details, please refer to the enclosed event abstract and programme. Do feel free to circulate this information to relevant colleagues within your organisation.

In the meantime, to ensure your organisation is represented, please book online or complete and return the registration form at your earliest convenience in order to secure your delegate place(s).