World leaders gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November for the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP29—and Duke University experts and students were on the scene.

A new analysis by Energy Pathways USA estimates how electricity demand may change in the next decade and the potential impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Modeled scenarios focused on the potential reversal of an EPA rule limiting emissions from power plants and how quickly renewable resources can be connected to the power grid.

Several Duke experts are attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to share insights, advance collaborative initiatives and network. They are accompanied by 17 students who are getting an up-close view of how international climate policy moves forward.

Jackson Ewing, director of energy and climate policy at the Nicholas Institute, discussed the need for a robust policy framework to incentivize green hydrogen production and adoption in a podcast episode hosted by NewHydrogen CEO Steve Hill.

Senior representatives from Duke Kunshan University’s founding partners were joined by renowned scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs and investors for the 2024 Duke International Forum, an annual meeting of minds focusing this year on “Renovating Climate Policy and Green Finance for Future Sustainability.” Nicholas Institute experts Brian Murray, Jackson Ewing and Jonathan Phillips were among the participants.

As climate change intensifies, many low- and middle-income countries face a precarious balancing act between addressing urgent climate adaptation and development needs and pursuing clean energy transitions. A Climate Week NYC panel—hosted by Duke University at the Nest Climate Campus—unpacked the challenges these countries face.

For a roundup of key themes from the conversation, read this Nicholas Institute publication.

Climate Week NYC 2024, held Sept. 22-29, gathered hundreds of business and political leaders across the globe to address the need for climate action. Among the distinguished voices included Duke University, whose lineup of climate experts shared their insights and research at several key events as part of Duke's Climate Commitment. A photo essay from Duke Today showcased the involvement of Duke scholars, including several from the Nicholas Institute.

Jackson Ewing, director of energy and climate policy, speaks with Duke Today about explorations of how low- and middle-income countries can overcome challenges to clean energy transitions. On September 27, he will moderate a Climate Week NYC panel: “How Can Energy Transitions Balance Growth, Decarbonization, and Human Development?”.

At Climate Week NYC (September 22-29, 2024), influential leaders from multiple sectors will exchange ideas and collaborate on plans to accelerate climate action. A delegation of Duke University scholars will help drive dialogue at this annual convening, which drew more than 6,500 attendees last year. In addition to organizing three public events, Duke University experts will be facilitating closed-door conversations and networking with decision-makers and with current and potential external partners.

Proposed legislation in the U.S. Senate seeking to speed federal permitting processes for energy projects and strengthen the electric grid is likely positive on balance, said Jackson Ewing, director of energy and climate policy at the Nicholas Institute.