At the FFD4 conference in Seville, held on 1 June 2025, the SDSN Global Climate Hub launched two significant reports presenting science-based, systems-modelled pathways to achieving net-zero emissions across 35 countries in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Balkans.
The reports were introduced during the high-level session titled “Evidence-based Financial Pathways for Decarbonisation and Climate Neutrality”, co-organized by the Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aephoria (AE4RIA), the SDSN Global Climate Hub, and the PVBLIC Foundation. The session convened global leaders from the fields of science, diplomacy, finance, and policy to discuss financial innovation, data-driven decision-making, governance, and regional adaptation strategies—aligned with the Compromiso de Sevilla and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) financing agenda.
Reports Presented:
During the session, key findings from the European-level report were presented, which evaluates the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) of 35 countries using an integrated energy–food–land–water–biofuels framework:
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Business-as-Usual (BAU): Greenhouse gas emissions decline only marginally, with continued water stress in Southern Europe.
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National Commitments (NC): Significant emissions reductions are projected across most sectors, accompanied by more sustainable food and land use.
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Electricity and Hydrogen: There is a growing deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen; however, many countries are projected to increase their net electricity and hydrogen imports.
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Biofuels and Land: Biofuel potential remains largely untapped, although renewable land use targets are attainable with proper planning.
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Water: Severe irrigation deficits are expected in Southern Europe.
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Policy Recommendations: The report outlines 20 key policy recommendations, tailored to sectoral, country-specific, and cross-policy challenges, supporting a holistic and equitable transition.
Distinguished Speakers Included:
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Professor Phoebe Koundouri – Athens University of Economics and Business & University of Cambridge; Chair, SDSN Global Climate Hub and AE4RIA
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H.E. Va’inga Tone – Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Tonga to the United Nations
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Dr. Gene Leon – Executive Director, Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity
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H.E. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim – Former President of Mauritius
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Ketan Patel – Chairman, Force for Good Initiative
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María Cortés Puch – Vice President, SDSN
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Professor Yannis Ioannidis – President, ACM; Professor, University of Athens
Moderator:
Ashaki Goodwin – Director of Government Affairs, PVBLIC Foundation
