During the first semester of the 2023/2024 academic year, the Energy & Environment Policy Centre will be focusing on COP28 and the process of setting a global agenda for a sustainable future. The centre’s researchers will focus their efforts on identifying the process’ key limits as well as opportunities emanating from the negotiations, for example, with the conclusion of the first-ever global stocktake. A key angle from which the COP28 will be analysed will be that of the dichotomy between local and international. An important focus question will be how to enhance the value of local and territorial endeavours at the global level and integrate them into international policy efforts. In parallel, a line of research will explore how to avoid a top-down approach from being the outcome of the climate negotiations.
In semester two, our centre will focus on “The Geopolitics of Energy: Navigating Power, Wealth, and Diplomacy”. With the global energy landscape undergoing significant changes, viewing it through a political lens is essential. This semester’s theme promises a deep dive into the multifaceted world of energy geopolitics. We will analyse transition tensions, examining the effects of major economies shifting away from fossil fuels and how it affects oil-rich nations. Topics such as pipeline politics will highlight the strategic dimensions of critical pipeline projects and how they can shape alliances, trigger rivalries, and impact regional balances. Furthermore, As the BRICS nations expand their influence in the energy sector, we will assess their emerging dynamics and influence and their growing stake at OPEC. Additionally, we will examine the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict for its potential impact on future energy supplies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical intricacies underlying global energy discourse.
The Energy & Environment Policy Centre endeavours to establish itself as the central hub for discussion surrounding the energy sector at King’s College London. We welcome all ideas, suggestions, and potential collaborations to make this year a success!
Should you be interested, kindly reach out to us at ahmed.aladwani@kcl.ac.uk, cc: mae.gauttier@kcl.ac.uk.
Ahmed Aladwani
Director, Energy and Environment Policy Centre
Our Policy Centre:
Ahmed Aladwani
Director
Hello, I am Ahmed Aladwani, and I am delighted to serve as the director for the Energy & Environment Policy Centre at King’s Think Tank this academic year! I am a third-year international relations student who has had the privilege of holding positions at OPEC and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. Deeply fascinated by the geopolitics of oil and gas, I am equally passionate about delving into the intricate policy decisions surrounding the energy transition in the Middle East. I look forward to contributing to the progressive dialogue in this critical sector and reflecting these passions into this policy centre.
Maé Gauttier
Editor
Hi I’m Maé, a third-year student on the International Relations BA. I am passionate about environmental issues particularly how to limit climate change and its devasting consequences, which notably drastically increase inequalities. I am particularly interested in ecological economics and how to make our current system evolve in response to the challenges faced. I find environmental policy fascinating to understand existing possibilities for action and their implications and limits. Through the Think Tank and by working with the centre’s researchers, I hope to suggest new creative perspectives on the topic and innovative proposals.
Researchers:
Jenny Perratt
Hello, I’m Jenny, a master’s student on the MSc Climate Change course. I have previous experience in sustainability strategy setting, operational sustainability, and student engagement on climate change. I’m interested in critically evaluating the climate mitigation and adaptation policies planned by intergovernmental, national, and sub-national bodies, to ensure that they reduce existing inequalities rather than exacerbate them. This can include cases like examining whether policymaking spaces like COP are shutting out opinions from the Global South, evaluating whether climate finance is reaching those who need it most, or investigating whether human rights are upheld in energy transition projects.
Stephanie Cunha
Hi! I am a third-year Politics student, interested in the dynamics of international energy conflict and cooperation, and in the role of media in energy policy. Being from nature-rich Brazil, I am also particularly curious about its potential to contribute to the global energy transition. I am very excited to be a researcher at the Energy and Environment Policy Centre!
Carlotta de Carolis Villars
Hi! I’m Carlotta, a postgraduate student in International Relations. I have been focusing my research on climate negotiation and EU environmental policy, both in my academic studies and during an internship at the Euro-Mediterranean Centre for Climate Change. Through King’s Think Tank, I would like to expand my knowledge on facilitating the green transition in the Global South while ensuring the protection of its economies through careful and fair negotiation.
King's Think Tank 