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Industrial policy, supply chain security, and economic competitiveness are central to how we think about clean energy deployment. As the Trump administration pulls back federal support for the...
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Renewing Fashion: Clean Energy and the Circular Economy
Past Event
September 27, 2024
10:00 am - 12:00 pm edt
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The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia SIPA hosted a series of energy and climate-focused events during Climate Week NYC from September 22-29, 2024. These events brought together policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and students to discuss innovative solutions, share research, and promote policies for a sustainable and equitable energy future. Topics included global renewable energy, geopolitical dynamics, critical minerals supply chains, financing, trade, and energy access. Be sure to see all our activities during the week.
The fashion industry is a major energy consumer and contributor to climate change. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the industry must transition into a circular economy from its current fossil fuel-based production and linear produce-use-dispose model. However, significant challenges remain, and we need to speed up and scale up actions. Our panel, featuring industry leaders spearheading fashion’s clean and circular transition, addressed the most pressing challenges, including phasing out fossil fuels, curbing oversupply, scaling up fabric recycling, aligning policy with industry goals, and financing the transition. We also explored best practices and strategies aimed at creating a sustainable and net-positive future for fashion.
Key Questions:
How can the fashion industry remove fossil fuels from its value chain, and what role does clean energy play in enabling the circular transition?
What are the most effective strategies to scale up textile-to-textile recycling?
How can global goals for a clean energy and circular economy transition in fashion be aligned with country-specific policies?
How can we address the persistent issue of oversupply through design innovation, consumer behavior change, and new business models?
How can businesses balance their sustainability responsibilities with financial ambitions?
What financing mechanism and strategies can support the fashion industry’s transition?
Sandra Goldmark (Keynote), Senior Assistant Dean, Columbia Climate School
Amy Jaffe, Co-chair, Women in Energy Program, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University; Director of the Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at New York University
The growth of green industrial policy in major economies is creating friction between climate and trade. If allowed to escalate, these frictions may disrupt climate action and undermine...
The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA's Women in Energy initiative invites you to join us for an interactive workshop on professional relationship-building and networking....
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• Large Conference Room
Center on Global Energy Policy
The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA's Women in Energy initiative invites Columbia University students to a roundtable discussion with Pam Brown, Managing Director at...
Event
• Large Conference Room
Center on Global Energy Policy
Plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) are reshaping the transportation energy landscape, providing a practical alternative to petroleum fuels for a growing number of applications. EV sales grew 55× in the past decade (2014–2024) and 6× since 2020, driven by technological progress enabled by policies to reduce transportation emissions as well as industrial plans motivated by strategic value of EVs for global competitiveness, jobs and geopolitics. In 2024, 22% of passenger cars sold globally were EVs and opportunities for EVs beyond on-road applications are growing, including solutions to electrify off-road vehicles, maritime and aviation. This Review updates and expands our 2020 assessment of the scientific literature and describes the current status and future projections of EV markets, charging infrastructures, vehicle–grid integration and supply chains in the USA. EV is the lowest-emission motorized on-road transportation option, with life-cycle emissions decreasing as electricity emissions continue to decrease. Charging infrastructure grew in line with EV adoption but providing ubiquitous reliable and convenient charging remains a challenge. EVs are reducing electricity costs in several US markets and coordinated EV charging can improve grid resilience and reduce electricity costs for all consumers. The current trajectory of technology improvement and industrial investments points to continued acceleration of EVs. Electric vehicles are increasingly adopted in the USA, with concurrent expansion of charging infrastructure and electricity demand. This Review details these trends and discusses their drivers and broader implications.
