Varun Sivaram

Alice Hill, a senior fellow for energy and the environment, and Varun Sivaram, a senior fellow for energy and climate, delve into the intersection of climate change and U.S. foreign policy as the 2024 election approaches. They discuss three decades of climate achievements and setbacks, highlighting the urgent need for robust climate policies. The conversation covers technological innovations like nuclear energy and carbon capture, the economic trade-offs of climate adaptation, and the election's significant impact on climate initiatives, emphasizing national security implications.

Varun Sivaram, a Senior Fellow for Climate and Energy at CFR, dives into the environmental implications of AI's energy demands. He discusses how AI's growth relies heavily on fossil fuels, posing challenges for clean energy transitions. The conversation highlights the urgent need to mitigate carbon emissions tied to AI development. Sivaram also addresses the U.S.-China energy competition and the importance of integrating climate policy with national security, showcasing the stakes of clean energy innovation in the AI landscape.