Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change COP30: Caught Between An Electrostate and A Petrostate | Ep230: Rachel Kyte
4 snips
Oct 29, 2025 
Rachel Kyte, a seasoned climate diplomat with roles at the World Bank and UN, discusses the evolving landscape of climate diplomacy ahead of COP30. She highlights the UK's renewed global engagement in climate policy and the challenges of climate finance in emerging markets. The conversation delves into the choice between the US petrostate and China's electrostate models and the critical need for investment in infrastructure. Kyte also emphasizes the significance of moving towards renewable technologies and actionable strategies for clean growth in various countries.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
UK Role: Powering Global Transitions
- The UK's Special Representative role focuses on international energy transition, trade, and financing partnerships.
- Rachel Kyte emphasizes technical assistance, institutional support, and investment, not just aid.
Listen First, Tailor Support
- Listen to partner countries and tailor UK support to their needs rather than imposing solutions.
- Use trade, investment, and technical partnerships to help countries navigate their transitions.
Learning From Early Solar Failures
- IFC's early PVMTI program used concessional GEF funds to de-risk solar investments and attracted private capital.
- Many early projects failed, teaching lessons that shaped future scaled approaches.