In recent years, calls for low-emissions energy around the globe have spurred attention to the energy transition across the Middle East – in the Gulf Arab States, the Levant, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The emergence of COVID-19, however, creates new complexity in regard to the global energy economy, patterns of supply and demand, and anticipated investments. This event will explore the global market context, as well as clean energy policies and measures that are taking shape around the globe and in the Middle East, exploring questions such as: How has COVID-19 affected conventional energy markets and patterns of investment? What are the possible implications of climate change and the global energy transition on countries in the Middle East? What does the future hold across the Middle East for renewable energy development, energy efficiency, natural gas and other low-carbon technologies and policies? Where are the key opportunities for growth in clean energy in the Middle East, and what is driving them? Panelists: Jason Bordoff, Professor of Professional Practice and Founding Director of the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs Robin Mills, CEO, Qamar Energy and Non-Resident Fellow, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs Leila Benali, Chief Economist, and Head of Strategy-Energy Economics, and Sustainability, Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation Moderated by Jonathan Elkind, Senior Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs Introduction by Safwan M. Masri, Professor and EVP for Global Centers and Global Development, Columbia University
