June 5, 2023
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Overview
The Center on Global Energy Policy is committed to independent and nonpartisan research that meets the high standards of academic integrity and quality at Columbia University.
What We Do
We advance smart, actionable, and evidence-based energy and climate solutions through research, education, and dialogue.
Our Team
Meet our staff and senior energy experts from government, academia, industry, and nongovernmental organizations.
The Energy Opportunity Lab identifies specific ideas that respond to environmental and market needs to empower people and communities with sustainable and accessible energy solutions.
Mission
To work with communities to improve opportunities for sustainable energy inclusion, innovation, and growth. The Lab also supports progress toward the overall goal of a just energy transition to low-carbon energy.
Goals
Energy use in developing countries is rising fast, but historically, they have contributed just a small fraction of the existing carbon in the atmosphere. They also bear the brunt of the effects of a warming planet. Internationally, EOL will address barriers that low and middle income countries face that hinder access to clean energy solutions while supporting rapid economic growth. EOL will help developing economies navigate a fair and just path in their energy transitions.
In the US, poorer households and households of color consume less energy than the average household. At the same time they spend a greater share of their income—roughly three times more than non–low-income households—on energy. They also have less access to the benefits of the transition to low-carbon energy systems. EOL will develop solutions and partner with communities across the US to address the energy disparities and burdens facing disadvantaged communities that block their opportunities for growth and prosperity in the energy transition.
The initiative will work closely with a broad range of partners and stakeholders, both in the US and abroad. It will build off of and support work by others in this area, from across Columbia University as well as in industry, government, civil society, and academia, in order to advance sound and constructive energy and climate solutions in the real world. The Energy Opportunity Lab will form multidisciplinary partnerships that create solutions and foster cooperation.
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