C2ES: Celebrating a First Mover in Helping Reduce Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

C2ES / Center for Climate and Energy Solutions is celebrating their 25^th Anniversary this spring. They deserve kudos for being a true first mover and thought leader in efforts to secure a safe and stable global climate by accelerating the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This non-partisan NFP organization was established as the Pew Center on Global Climate Change and evolved into C2ES in 2011 to reflect the changing landscape of climate and energy issues.

At their 25^th Anniversary Celebration held at the Library of Congress in Washington DC recently they featured bi-partisan congressional leadership guests – including Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D – RI), Rep. Sean Casten (D – IL 6^th District) and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R- IA 1^st District).  Also present were Brenda Mallory Chair of CEQ  / Council on Environmental Quality (who advises President Biden and develops policies on climate change and environmental justice among other things) who stressed the need for collaboration on climate initiatives. In addition, Rostin Behnam Commissioner of CFTC / Commodity Futures Trading Commission  highlighted the importance of coalition building and more effective financing. Members of the C2ES Business Environmental Leadership Council were also in attendance.

C2ES President Nat Keohane stressed the organization’s policy priorities as a leading global environmental policy think tank. This includes helping Policymakers prioritize climate and energy policies to help achieve 2030 US targets for reductions in net greenhouse gas emissions. They also endeavored to provide a laser focus on making the UN’s Paris Climate Accord Agreement a reality, as well as building climate resilience.

Recently appointed C2ES Chair Ann Klee cited the organization’s success in bringing policy makers, business, and other stakeholders together to create viable solutions to the mounting challenges of climate change worldwide. The gala also recognized the contributions of outgoing chair (and current board member) Theodore Roosevelt IV for his contributions to the organization; he helped create its strategic vision and recruited the current leadership team.

We applaud C2ES for its unique focus on advancing practical and effective climate change and energy challenge policies. These including its multi-stakeholder approach (industry, government, academia, and society at large); a solutions-oriented focus on practical, technology neutral solutions – including permitting reform, and building clean energy infrastructure.

It should also be recognized that C2ES embrace a much-needed non-partisan approach in the US that engages both Democrats and Republicans to help make the most of the recently passed IRA / Inflation Reduction Act. Furthermore, they employ a global reach that fosters an exchange of great ideas and best practices from around the world.