(New York – November 14, 2019) — The Center on Global Energy Policy is proud to congratulate non-resident Fellow, Varun Sivaram for being named to the first-ever TIME 100 Next, a new expansion of the TIME 100 list of the most influential people in the world. The list highlights 100 rising stars who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science and activism, and more.
Innovating in the energy industry is what Varun Sivaram calls an “uphill battle,” but he’s nonetheless dedicated himself to helping it advance—and, in doing so, prevent the worst effects of climate change. Over the past decade, he has advised key political leaders, including the governor of New York, and written a book—called a “must-read” by former Secretary of State John Kerry—on how to innovate in the solar-energy space. Now he’s the chief technology officer of ReNew Power, India’s largest renewable-energy company, where he works to accelerate the expansion of renewables in a country critical to global efforts to stem climate change. “I’m determined to help build an ecosystem” for a greener future, he says. – Justin Worland
Of the list, TIME editor in chief and CEO Edward Felsenthal writes, “When we first published our TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people 15 years ago, it was dominated by individuals who rose through traditional power structures: heads of state, CEOs of public companies, actors from big-budget blockbusters, leaders of global foundations. What has been striking about more recent editions is the growing number of individuals who did not need an establishment to command international attention—people like the Parkland, Fla., students (in 2018) and Greta Thunberg (in 2019). TIME has always been a barometer of influence—and the nature of influence is changing.”
Follow @TIME and #TIME100NEXT for updates about the list. See the full 2019 TIME 100 Next list: Time.com/next.