Jim Watson

Joanna Depledge, an expert in international climate negotiations, joins climate change professor Mark Maslin and energy policy professor Jim Watson to tackle the effectiveness of climate summits. They assess the current urgency around COP29 and discuss the challenges of achieving meaningful outcomes. The trio dives into the historical context of major agreements like Kyoto and Paris, and the impacts of political shifts, highlighting the crucial role of climate finance. They also explore the unique dynamics of negotiations, including how even food and ambiance can influence discussions at these critical meetings.

Jim Watson, a Professor of Energy Policy at UCL, dives into the evolution of energy systems over the past 40 years. He discusses the rapid dash for gas in the 1990s, driven by economic and political factors, and contrasts it with France's nuclear strategy. Watson explores the crucial role of policy in innovation, the impact of global forces like China's supply chains, and the need for just transition mechanisms in shifting energy landscapes. His insights reveal a blend of past lessons and future optimism around renewable energy innovations.