It’s Time to Move: Energy Efficiency Council’s Impact at the Australian Pavilion

In the vibrant city of Dubai, the COP28 conference was a hive of activity, with the Australian Pavilion playing a pivotal role in the global climate action discourse. The event, “It’s Time to Move: Mobilizing the Clean Energy Workforce for Net Zero,” presented by the Energy Efficiency Council in association with the Equal by 30 initiative, was a testament to the power of diverse perspectives in the transition to clean energy.

Joanna Osawe, the President & CEO of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), was one of the many influential voices at the event. Alongside her, other experts brought their unique insights and perspectives to the discussion, emphasizing the role of women in driving renewable energy solutions and contributing to broader sustainability and climate action goals.

The same week, the Energy Efficiency Council’s Holly Taylor hosted Careers for Net Zero’s first-ever international event. The panel featured an all-star cast, including Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Kushla Munro, International Climate and Energy Division Head at the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kane Thornton, CEO of the Clean Energy Council, and Daniel Wetzel, Head of the Tracking Sustainable Transitions Unit at the International Energy Agency, and once again Joanna Osawe, WiRE President and CEO.

The discussion revolved around the opportunities for building the clean economy workforce, both in Australia and internationally. With the International Energy Agency estimating that 17 million new clean energy jobs are needed by the end of the decade to keep us on track with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, the conversation was both fascinating and critical.

These events at COP28 were more than just discussions; they were a call to action, a rallying cry for a sustainable and equitable future. The collective voices of the panelists brought the message to life, emphasizing that achieving net zero will require effort from everyone. We can get there if we work together!