Our recent interview with Dr. Elif Selin Calik, a Climate Change Scientist, Green Energy Observer at UNFCCC, and CEO of WOMEN IN SMART ENERGY UK, centred on the theme, Where do we stand in the fight against climate change? Dr. Elif shared her insights with Muhammad Younis on the progress made, the initiatives undertaken by governments at various levels, and the critical actions still needed to accelerate our efforts in addressing this global challenge.

#CTS: How can education and training be pivotal in bridging the gap between current energy practices and the future needs of a sustainable world, especially in fostering leadership in renewable energy?

Dr Elif: I firmly believe that education and training are not just tools but foundational pillars in bridging the gap between our current energy practices and the future needs of a sustainable world. This is especially true when it comes to fostering leadership in renewable energy—a sector where we desperately need diverse, innovative leaders to drive change.

● Empowering the Workforce with Knowledge and Skills: The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, and to keep pace, we need a workforce that is not only knowledgeable about the latest renewable technologies but also equipped with the skills to implement them. Through targeted education and training, we can prepare individuals—especially women, who are still underrepresented in this field—to take on critical roles in designing, deploying, and managing renewable energy systems. This includes everything from technical training in solar and wind technologies to education in energy storage, smart grids, and energy efficiency.

● Developing Future Leaders: Education plays a crucial role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. We need to ensure that leadership programs are integrated into energy education, with a strong emphasis on fostering diversity and inclusion. By providing mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities for women to lead projects in renewable energy, we can cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only technically proficient but also capable of driving systemic change.

● Driving Innovation through Research and Collaboration: Our educational institutions must be at the forefront of research and innovation in renewable energy. By promoting interdisciplinary learning and collaboration between academia, industry, and government, we can develop innovative solutions to the complex challenges we face in transitioning to a sustainable energy future. Education and training programs should encourage critical thinking and creativity, empowering students and professionals alike to push the boundaries of what’s possible in renewable energy.

● Shaping Policy and Advocacy: The transition to a sustainable energy future isn’t just about technology, it’s also about policy and governance. Education and training in energy policy, economics, and social impact are crucial for developing leaders who can navigate and influence the complex regulatory landscape. By equipping our leaders with this knowledge, we can ensure that they are effective advocates for policies that support the growth of renewable energy and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

● Engaging and Educating the Public: Public engagement is vital to the success of renewable energy initiatives. Education and training shouldn’t be confined to classrooms; they should extend into communities, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their energy use and to support renewable energy policies. By educating the public, we build a broader base of support for sustainable energy practices, which is essential for driving large-scale change.

● Championing Diversity in Renewable Energy Leadership: At Women in Smart Energy UK, we are particularly focused on ensuring that women play a leading role in the energy transition. Education and training are key to this mission. By providing tailored programs that address the unique challenges women face in the energy sector, we can help bridge the gender gap and ensure that women are at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution.

In conclusion, education and training are not merely enablers but catalysts for the transformation needed to achieve a sustainable energy future. They empower individuals with the knowledge and skills required to innovate, lead, and advocate for renewable energy. As we move forward, it is essential that we invest in these areas, with a particular focus on fostering diverse leadership, to ensure that the energy transition is not only sustainable but also inclusive and equitable.

#CTS: As a UN Climate Change Observer, how do you view the progress in tackling climate change, and what critical actions do you believe governments should prioritise?

Dr Elif: As a UN Climate Change Observer who has attended COPs every year, I have witnessed both the significant strides and the ongoing challenges in our global effort to tackle climate change. Reflecting on COP28 last year in Dubai, I see both promising developments and areas where urgent action is still needed.

● Progress at COP28: COP28 marked a pivotal moment, with countries showing a stronger commitment to addressing the climate crisis. The Global Stocktake process, a key feature of the Paris Agreement, provided a critical assessment of where we stand in terms of meeting our climate goals. It was encouraging to see a renewed focus on accelerating the energy transition, with several countries committing to more ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption and carbon reduction.

Another significant achievement was the enhanced attention to climate finance, particularly the commitment to increase support for developing countries. This is crucial, as these nations are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change yet have the least resources to address them. Additionally, COP28 highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions, with increased pledges to protect and restore critical ecosystems like forests and oceans, which play a vital role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity.

● Ongoing Challenges and Critical Actions Needed: Despite these positive steps, the progress made at COP28 falls short of what is required to keep global warming below 1.5°C. The current pace of emission reductions is insufficient, and we are still on a trajectory towards catastrophic climate impacts if more aggressive actions are not taken immediately.

● Accelerating Decarbonization Efforts: Governments must prioritise the rapid decarbonization of their economies. This means not only setting more ambitious targets but also implementing robust policies and regulations to achieve them. Fossil fuel subsidies need to be phased out, and carbon pricing mechanisms should be strengthened to drive investments in clean energy. The transition to renewable energy must be expedited, with significant investments in infrastructure, research, and development to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future.

● Strengthening Climate Finance: While COP28 saw progress in climate finance, there is still a substantial gap between what has been pledged and what is needed. Developed nations must fulfil their commitments to provide $100 billion annually to support climate adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. Additionally, innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds and climate resilience funds, should be expanded to mobilise private sector investment.

● Enhancing Adaptation and Resilience: As climate impacts intensify, adaptation must become a core focus. Governments should prioritise building resilient infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable regions, to protect communities from the adverse effects of climate change. This includes investing in early warning systems, flood defences, and climate-resilient agriculture. The loss and damage fund, a key outcome from COP28, needs to be operationalized with clear guidelines and adequate funding to support countries experiencing irreversible climate impacts.

● Advancing Equity and Justice: Climate justice must be at the heart of climate action. This involves ensuring that the voices of the most affected communities, including Indigenous peoples, women, and youth, are heard and prioritised in decision-making processes. Policies should be designed to address inequalities and ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is just and inclusive, leaving no one behind.

● Strengthening Global Collaboration: The climate crisis is a global challenge that requires unprecedented levels of international cooperation. COP28 underscored the need for stronger multilateralism, but geopolitical tensions continue to hinder progress. Governments must work together to overcome these barriers, share technology and knowledge, and ensure that all nations have the capacity to meet their climate commitments.

While COP28 demonstrated a renewed commitment to tackling climate change, the progress made is not yet enough to meet the urgency of the crisis. Governments must act decisively and immediately, prioritising deep decarbonization, enhanced climate finance, robust adaptation measures, and a strong commitment to equity and justice. The road ahead is challenging, but with the right actions, we can still steer the world toward a sustainable and resilient future.

#CTS: What motivated you to lead Women in Smart Energy UK, and how do you see this initiative advancing the transition to a zero-carbon world?

Dr Elif: My motivation to lead Women in Smart Energy UK stems from a deep belief that the transition to a zero-carbon world requires not only technological innovation but also the full inclusion and empowerment of women. This initiative is about more than just advancing renewable energy; it’s about creating a more equitable, diverse, and resilient energy sector where women play a leading role in shaping our sustainable future.

● A Story from Syria - Empowering Women Refugees: One story that particularly inspired me was the experience of Syrian refugee women in a camp in Jordan, who were trained to become solar engineers. These women, many of whom had lost their homes and livelihoods due to the conflict, were given the opportunity to learn how to install and maintain solar panels. Despite the immense challenges they faced, these women not only gained technical skills but also became leaders within their communities, providing sustainable energy solutions to thousands of fellow refugees.

This story is a powerful reminder of how, even in the most difficult circumstances, women can drive transformative change. It also illustrates the broader impact of empowering women in the energy sector: when women are given the tools and training they need, they can uplift entire communities and contribute to sustainable development in ways that ripple far beyond their immediate surroundings.

● Advancing the Transition to a Zero-Carbon World: At Women in Smart Energy UK, we aim to replicate this kind of impact on a larger scale. By focusing on education, training, and leadership development, we are working to ensure that women are at the forefront of the energy transition. Here’s how we see our initiative advancing this goal:

a) Building a Diverse Workforce: We are committed to increasing the representation of women in the renewable energy sector, which is crucial for driving innovation and ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in decision-making processes. This diversity leads to more holistic and effective solutions for achieving a zero-carbon future.

b) Fostering Leadership: Through mentorship programs, leadership training, and networking opportunities, we empower women to take on leadership roles in the energy sector. We believe that women leaders are key to driving the cultural and policy shifts needed to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

c) Creating Economic Opportunities: Just as the Syrian women found new purpose and economic independence through their work in solar energy, we aim to create similar opportunities for women across the UK and beyond. By providing access to training and resources, we help women enter and thrive in the energy sector, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

d) Championing Sustainability and Social Justice: We recognize that the fight against climate change is also a fight for social justice. By advocating for policies that support both environmental and gender equity, we work to ensure that the transition to a zero-carbon world is fair and inclusive. This includes supporting initiatives that provide clean energy access to marginalised communities, much like the solar energy project for Syrian refugees.

Leading Women in Smart Energy UK is about harnessing the untapped potential of women to drive the transition to a zero-carbon world. The story of the Syrian refugee women serves as a powerful example of how, when given the opportunity, women can be catalysts for change. Through our work, we aim to empower more women to take on these roles, knowing that their contributions are essential to building a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all.

#CTS: What is your perspective on events like the London Climate Technology Show, which bring together key stakeholders to strategize on addressing climate change? How effective do you think these gatherings are in driving tangible progress?

Dr Elif: Events like the London Climate Technology Show play a crucial role in the global effort to address climate change. These gatherings serve as vital platforms for bringing together key stakeholders—policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, investors, and activists—to strategize, share knowledge, and forge partnerships that can drive tangible progress in our fight against climate change.

The Role of Such Events in Driving Progress

● Fostering Collaboration and Innovation

a) Cross-Sector Collaboration: The complexity of climate change requires solutions that cross traditional industry boundaries. Events like the London Climate Technology Show encourage collaboration between sectors that might not typically interact, such as technology, finance, energy, and agriculture. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to innovative solutions that are more holistic and effective.

b) Spotlighting Emerging Technologies: These events provide a stage for showcasing the latest advancements in climate technology. Whether it’s new renewable energy systems, carbon capture technologies, or innovations in sustainable agriculture, the exposure and networking opportunities can accelerate the adoption and scaling of these critical innovations.

● Accelerating Investment and Scaling Solutions

a) Investor Engagement: Climate technology often requires significant capital to move from concept to market. Events like the London Climate Technology Show connect innovators with potential investors, helping to unlock the funding necessary to bring promising technologies to scale. This is particularly important for early-stage companies that need support to move from pilot projects to widespread implementation.

b) Market Expansion: By bringing together a global audience, these events help companies and technologies expand their reach, opening up new markets and creating opportunities for global implementation. This global perspective is crucial for tackling a challenge as widespread and interconnected as climate change.

● Influencing Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

a) Policy Dialogues: Engaging policymakers in these events ensures that the latest technological developments and business models are considered in the formation of climate policies. This can lead to more informed, effective regulations that support the rapid deployment of climate technologies.

b) Public-Private Partnerships: The collaboration between governments and the private sector fostered at these events can lead to the development of public-private partnerships that are critical for scaling up climate solutions and ensuring they are implemented in a way that maximises public benefit.

While these events are invaluable, their effectiveness in driving tangible progress depends on a few key factors:

● Commitment to Follow-Through

a) From Dialogue to Action: The success of these events hinges on the participants' ability to move beyond discussions and commit to concrete actions. It’s essential that the relationships and strategies formed at these gatherings lead to measurable outcomes—whether it’s the deployment of new technologies, the signing of new agreements, or the creation of actionable roadmaps for climate action.

b) Tracking Progress: Establishing mechanisms to track the progress of commitments made during these events is crucial. This ensures accountability and allows stakeholders to assess the impact of the initiatives launched.

● Inclusivity and Equity

a) Broad Representation: The effectiveness of these events is also determined by how inclusive they are. Ensuring that voices from developing countries, Indigenous communities, and marginalized groups are heard and integrated into the strategies being developed is essential for creating solutions that are equitable and widely applicable.

b) Equitable Access to Technology: It’s important that the innovations discussed and promoted at these events are accessible to all, particularly to those in regions that are most vulnerable to climate change. This can help bridge the gap between advanced economies and those still developing sustainable infrastructures.

●  Integration with Broader Climate Goals

a) Alignment with Global Targets: To drive real progress, the outcomes of these events must align with broader international climate goals, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. This ensures that the innovations and strategies discussed contribute meaningfully to reducing global emissions and enhancing climate resilience.

In conclusion, the London Climate Technology Show and similar events are vital for catalysing the innovation, investment, and collaboration needed to address climate change. However, their ultimate effectiveness in driving tangible progress depends on the commitment of stakeholders to move from dialogue to action, the inclusivity of the conversations, and the alignment of outcomes with global climate goals. When these elements are in place, such gatherings can be powerful drivers of the change we urgently need.