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The Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University SIPA congratulates Paul Dabbar on his confirmation as Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce. During...
• June 27, 2025
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China’s dependence on the energy supplies that move through the Strait of Hormuz makes it especially vulnerable to any possible closure of the waterway by Iran in retaliation for attacks by Israel and the United States.
Just two days after President Trump deployed America’s military to attack Iranian nuclear development sites, a shaky ceasefire between Israel and Iran brokered by President Trump emerged. So...
This year, the Third Annual Energy Opportunity Lab (EOL) Forum will take place July 7th and 8th in Washington, DC, offering a chance for the Washington policymaking community...
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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
As the Israel-Iran conflict continues to unfold, it remains unclear whether a ceasefire will hold or fighting will resume. This uncertainty carries significant implications for energy markets in the Middle East and around the world.
On the night of June 12, the Israeli military conducted widespread strikes on sites in Iran that targeted the country’s nuclear program and its senior military leadership.
This year, the Third Annual Energy Opportunity Lab (EOL) Forum will take place July 7th and 8th in Washington, DC, offering a chance for the Washington policymaking community...
On May 23, President Donald Trump signed four executive orders that aim to reform the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, streamline National Laboratory processes for reactor testing, advance...
China’s dependence on the energy supplies that move through the Strait of Hormuz makes it especially vulnerable to any possible closure of the waterway by Iran in retaliation for attacks by Israel and the United States.
The conflict between Iran, Israel, and now the United States has yet to disrupt energy supplies to global markets. However, the US decision to attack Iran's nuclear program...