Lighting the Path: Exploring IPCC pathways to 1.5°C

The recent Lighting the Path report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) pathways to limit warming to 1.5°C and presents recommendations for governments and financial institutions to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The report provides an in-depth scenario analysis that concludes that, in order to limit warming to 1.5°C, oil and gas production and consumption must decrease by 30% by 2030. Meanwhile, the pathways highlighted in the report show that wind and solar energy should grow by nearly 20% annually until 2030. The findings also emphasize a need to reorient capital flows toward clean energy to bridge the projected annual investment gap of USD 450 billion for wind and solar infrastructure by the end of this decade.

This webinar invites participants to take a closer look at key findings from the analysis as well as the policy implications. The event explores how different policy options could impact the ability of countries to meet Paris targets without exceeding the levels of carbon dioxide removal and sequestration technologies that the IPCC has identified as feasible and sustainable.

First, the lead author presents the key findings of the report, providing a closer look at the methodology and rationale behind the numbers. He highlights Paris-aligned timelines for oil and gas phase-out and breaks down renewable energy needs to deliver an energy transition consistent with IPCC 1.5° C pathways, from deployment to investment. This is followed by an expert panel discussion providing insights on the implications of these findings for the development of Paris-aligned net-zero strategies for policy-makers and financial institutions.

Agenda

Opening Remarks

Moderator: María Alegre, Programme Manager, International Energy, European Climate Foundation

Presentation of Lighting the Path Report Findings

Olivier Bois von Kursk, Policy Analyst, International Institute for Sustainable Development

Panel Discussion

• Catherine Abreu, Founder & Executive Director, Destination Zero
• Lucie Pinson, Founder & Executive Director, Reclaim Finance

Q&A Session