Columbia Energy Exchange

Tatiana Mitrova, a global fellow with deep expertise on Russian energy, Richard Nephew, a former US Deputy Special Envoy for Iran, and Shayak Sengupta, an authority on South Asian energy policy, dive into the complexities of US-India-Russia relations. They discuss the potential fallout from US tariffs on India over Russian oil imports and how this could reshuffle geopolitical alliances. The conversation also highlights India's strategic autonomy and the implications of energy sanctions in a volatile global market, raising critical questions about future economic diplomacy.

Sunita Narain, the Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Environment and one of Time's 100 most influential people, dives into India's pressing clean energy challenges. She discusses the heavy reliance on coal amidst soaring energy demands and pollution issues. Narain highlights the complex balance between economic growth and sustainability, exploring the role of natural gas and renewables. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical tensions with China and the importance of international collaboration in achieving India's ambitious energy transition goals.

Michael Gerrard, founder of Columbia's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, shares his insights on the EPA's controversial decision to rescind the endangerment finding. He explains its roots in past Supreme Court rulings and its critical role in regulating greenhouse gas emissions. The conversation contrasts U.S. domestic policies with international legal trends, especially a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice that reaffirms climate obligations. Gerrard also discusses the evolving landscape of environmental law and the ongoing legal battles surrounding climate accountability.

Eddie Fishman, a senior research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy and an adjunct professor, dives into the evolving nature of economic warfare. He discusses how tariffs and sanctions have reshaped global energy markets, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations and the energy strategies employed against Russia and Iran. Fishman explores the concept of economic choke points and their significance in international trade dynamics while assessing the implications of these strategies on global stability and banking systems.

Juan Carlos Jobet, a former Chilean Minister of Energy and Mining, joins Tom Moerenhout from Columbia University and Diego Rivera Rivota to discuss Latin America’s mineral supply chain. They dive into the challenges posed by the U.S. tariffs on copper and the region's vast lithium resources. The trio addresses the geopolitical implications of mineral extraction and the urgent need for equitable practices respecting Indigenous communities. Insights on optimizing supply chains amidst global demand and environmental concerns create a compelling dialogue about the future of minerals in clean energy.

Join Kate Guy, a senior fellow and managing director at the Center on Global Energy Policy, as she dives into the intersection of extreme weather and energy security. She discusses the vulnerabilities in our energy infrastructure exposed by climate change, the urgent need for resilience planning, and the necessity of diversifying energy sources. Kate also highlights the critical role of government data in weather forecasting and the importance of innovative technology to manage energy demands. Explore how these challenges are reshaping our understanding of national security.

Laura Cozzi, Chief Energy Modeler at the International Energy Agency, discusses the dual-edged sword of AI's impact on the energy sector. She examines how AI is projected to double the electricity demand from data centers by 2030, stressing the challenges of grid congestion. The conversation reveals the vital need for collaboration between IT and energy sectors to tackle these demands. Cozzi also highlights AI's transformative potential to optimize energy management, enhance sustainability, and bolster the clean energy transition.

In this enlightening discussion, Arjun Murti, an oil and gas analyst with Veriten and a former Goldman Sachs strategist, unpacks the complexities of the current energy landscape. He addresses the impact of geopolitical tensions on oil prices, questions the feasibility of corporate net-zero targets, and explores the balance between energy security and climate goals. With a focus on emerging economies, Murti highlights the need for pragmatic policies and diverse energy solutions, making a compelling case for a nuanced approach to the ongoing energy transition.

In this discussion featuring Daniel Sternoff, a non-resident fellow at CGEP with expertise in energy markets, Richard Nephew, a former US deputy special envoy for Iran involved in nuclear negotiations, and Karen Young, a scholar on the political economy of the Gulf states, the experts unpack the nuances of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. They delve into the oil market's reactions to geopolitical shifts, the uncertain future of U.S.-Iran relations, and the complexities surrounding Iran's nuclear capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.

Mary Nichols, a distinguished environmental lawyer and former chair of the California Air Resources Board, discusses California's pivotal role in clean air regulation. She delves into the recent congressional move to revoke emissions waivers, marking a significant political challenge. Nichols explains the historical journey of California's fight against air pollution and how its strict standards influence other states. The conversation also covers the auto industry's response, the future of zero-emission vehicles, and the broader implications for climate action in America.