Calls for Action
International agencies and banks, such as the European Investment Bank, should establish an international fund for renewable energy development in developing countries, to finance utility-scale solar, wind and geothermal projects across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America
This would help provide energy access and autonomy while reducing emissions
The fund would work with governments to develop national energy access plans, coordinate project development, and establish microgrid distribution networks.
The fund can be supported through public contributions from economically advantaged nations as well as carbon pricing mechanisms.
See Appendix i. International fund for renewable energy development
Launch large-scale incentives and technical support programs to transition 500 million acres of global farmland in the US, EU and China to regenerative practices like holistic grazing, cover cropping, rotational grazing, and mulching through outcomes-based payments by 2030, with a name such as Regenerative Agriculture Innovation Fund
Programs would provide technical and financial support for farmers to sequester at least 1 gigaton of carbon annually through soil health improvements by 2030.
G20 countries should implement a "Cool Food Planet" public education campaign to promote sustainable diets and alternative proteins, setting targets to reduce projected meat consumption increases
National health agencies would disseminate dietary guidelines emphasising plant-rich meals and set targets to reduce meat consumption by 2030
See Appendix ii. Public education campaign
Key industries should comply to identify priority projects for developing scalable synthetic fuel pathways and next-gen battery technologies to decarbonize aviation and heavy industry sectors by 2030
Focus on climate-smart transport to identify specific projects for developing synthetic fuels and transitioning the aviation, shipping and heavy industry sectors off fossil fuels by 2040.
See Appendix iii. Synthetic fuel pathways and next-gen battery technologies
Incorporate storytelling and public engagement strategies into climate initiatives to sustain momentum for ambitious policy and financing needs over time.
The initiative would support the production of documentaries, podcasts, and social media campaigns highlighting climate solutions and inspiring public participation
See Appendix iv. Storytelling and public engagement. Understanding systemic factors that contribute to climate change.
Main Outcomes
Regeneration at local levels through soil, land, and water management can significantly address climate impacts like flooding and drought.
A just transition requires energy sovereignty and food sovereignty for all communities through basic clean energy access.
Storytelling and raising public awareness are crucial to driving political will for ambitious climate action.
Panel Discussion Summary
The panel “How to Stop Climate Change for Real?” discussed regenerative agriculture and soil carbon sequestration, alternative proteins and sustainable diets, clean energy access and a just transition in the Global South. The panellists also explored the role of storytelling and public engagement for climate action.
Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg led the discussion on holistic solutions for climate change through the lenses of agriculture, development and clean energy access. Eamon Ryan delivered a keynote speech, highlighting the need to redirect resources annually to renewable projects across Africa and Global South to properly address climate change. Panellist Bruce Friedrich discussed innovation opportunities in alternative proteins and policy support needed to reduce projected increases in global meat consumption. Lastly, Finian Conor Makepeace outlined regenerative agricultural practices that rebuild soil health and maximise carbon sequestration potential through techniques like holistic grazing and cover cropping.
The main arguments centred around how rebuilding soil health through regenerative practices can significantly address flooding, drought and carbon emissions, and how lack of clean energy access in developing nations drives unsustainable activities and conflicts over scarce resources. Innovation is needed in hard-to-decarbonize sectors and to develop plant-based and cultivated meat. Public support and demand are also key to driving political will for ambitious climate policies and financing.
Potential critiques included the cost and feasibility challenges of scaling renewable energy investments globally at the required pace, reliance on future technologies that have not been fully realised, and difficulty achieving dietary shifts voluntarily at the rate needed. The panel closed with the panellists emphasising that climate action demands united, regenerative thinking globally and locally to safeguard communities, biodiversity and the planet as a whole for generations to come.