From November 6th – 18th, the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) will bring together over 190 countries in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to strengthen countries’ commitments and ambitions related to the climate crisis.  The U.S. Delegation will provide insight on climate solutions being explored at home and discuss how the country is working with partners around the world, including Africa,  to ensure strong outcomes at COP27.

At the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), we are working toward our national and global climate goals by driving the clean energy transition forward every day. We are prioritizing equity and place-based strategies in our investments modeling a clean energy transition that delivers real benefits to frontline communities - especially those historically impacted by the effects of climate change.

The Office of Economic Impact and Diversity’s (ED) Director, Shalanda Baker, is attending COP27 to educate and inform attendees of DOE’s efforts to tackle climate change with equity centered solutions. During the two-week conference, she will participate in several panel discussions and stakeholder meetings to share Department wide equity and justice efforts, like the Justice40 Initiative.

Director Baker has prioritized meetings with international and state leaders, as well as climate advocates, on issues such as the impact of gas exports and fossil fuels on communities, as well as justice and climate implications related to the deployment of clean energy technologies. This week’s agenda includes five stakeholder engagement meetings organized by the Center for Biological Diversity where Director Baker will learn from stakeholders about the unique environmental and equity challenges they face in their communities and offer new models that encourage energy democracy and justice as communities continue their work in combating climate change.  Director Baker intends to highlight the technical assistance and funding opportunities made available to frontline communities through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Director Baker participated at the SSE United Kingdom (UK) pavillion event entitled, Global Perspectives on Delivering a Just and Equitable Energy Transition, a panel discussion on a just energy transition. During the event, she talked about DOE’s commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition-  and the importance of job creation and opportunity for frontline communities.

“The UK is so central to this transition,” she said during the event, “Having these conversations at COP27 is incredible, as well, because we want to make sure that every country is thinking about these issues. Making sure that we leave no one behind as we do this transition....”

Director Baker also participated in the Bloom Energy panel discussion on how policy and business interventions can create and design innovative and durable solutions to tackle the climate crisis. She will also be a part of a panel discussion hosted by Arup about a just energy transition and considerations for decarbonization relevant to climate change.

On November 12, 2022, Director Baker closes out her conference agenda with an appearance at the U.S. Center at COP27 where she will participate in a Climate Conversations Fireside Chat with Tom Di Liberto, Science Communicator/Climate Scientist/Meteorologist at Groundswell. The conversation will be centered around an equitable and just transition followed by questions from a small intimate audience of climate justice enthusiasts. Tune in here and check out the schedule for appearances from the rest of the U.S. Delegation.

The last event on Director Baker’s agenda  takes place at the Environmental Justice Pavillion with Dana Johnson, Senior Director of Strategy and Federal Policy at WE ACT for Environmental Justice. During this fireside chat, Director Baker and Dana Johnson will take a deep dive into the Justice 40 Initiative and the impact of President Biden’s BIL and IRA investments.

The Department of Energy is committed to delivering a just and inclusive energy transition, both at home and abroad.  COP27 provides a reminder that climate change is an urgent problem that no nation can solve on its own and allows us to reflect on the outcomes of our efforts. ED is honored to advance the DOE’s energy justice and equity priorities during the clean energy transition.

To learn more about our work, visit our website at Office of Economic Impact and Diversity.