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.

Some of the United States' premiere environmental laws of the 1970s—such as the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act—need to be reformed to more quickly meet today's environmental goals. Jackson Ewing, director of energy and climate policy at the Nicholas Institute, told Newsweek the U.S. must adopt policies that allow for different permitting processes or accelerated approval for renewable energy and infrastructure projects before beginning construction.

Energy Pathways USA hosted a briefing about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s newly released power sector regulations on May 7. Nicholas Institute expert Tim Profeta, former EPA special counsel for the power sector and senior advisor, explained the new standards for existing coal and new gas-fired power plants, outlined the key implications and questions for U.S. decarbonization and answered attendee questions.

The potential for connectivity among Asian carbon markets is significant, with economic, environmental, and strategic benefits anticipated. However, uncertainty persists regarding the extent and nature of market integration. This webinar, including a presentation by Director of Energy and Climate Policy Jackson Ewing, discussed the history and experiences on carbon market linkages, and the potential benefits, barriers to linkages, and paths forward for Asian carbon market connectivity in light of evolving international carbon market trends and policies. The forum is part of the Regional Cooperation and Integration Policy Open Dialogue Webinar Series, organized by the Asian Development Bank's Regional Cooperation and Integration Division.