Last Friday, Ali Zaidi, the former climate advisor at the White House, spoke at the School of the Environment. His talk, moderated by Professor Daniel Esty, focused on how institutions can tackle climate change.
Zaidi, who worked in both the Obama and Biden administrations, emphasized the importance of evolving these institutions to meet the challenges posed by climate change. He pointed out that while the idea of climate creating jobs isn’t new, the Biden administration has actively expanded this idea across multiple sectors.
Under Obama, the climate strategy was often narrow, aiming at one sector at a time, which limited its effectiveness. In contrast, the current administration’s broader approach encourages innovation in clean energy, helping the U.S. become more competitive globally.
During the discussion, a student raised the issue of institutional trust in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zaidi highlighted that restoring public trust in government is just as important as modernizing energy systems. Many people are skeptical of government regulations after the pandemic.
Esty offered an academic perspective, noting that while Democrats are seen as the party of regulation, public fatigue from strict mandates has created challenges. Zaidi agreed that navigating this complex political environment is crucial, especially when trying to implement decarbonization strategies without burdening consumers.
Zaidi also celebrated Yale’s contributions to climate policy. He mentioned the impactful work of alumni, like Aaron Troncoso and Katie Schlick, in promoting clean energy initiatives. He recalled his collaborations with Yale faculty to brainstorm new climate solutions.
This dialogue shed light on how climate policy and democracy are closely linked. Zaidi stressed the need to protect democratic institutions, which play a vital role in environmental legislation, like the Clean Air Act.
After the talk, Esty reflected on Yale’s potential role in advancing climate science and uniting global responses. He emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary programs at Yale in shaping effective climate governance.
Niva Cohen, a student who attended the event, commented on Zaidi’s optimistic outlook, suggesting that while optimism is essential, it should be backed by solid academic research.
Ali Zaidi is notably recognized as the White House’s second national climate advisor, bringing valuable insights from his experience in high-level climate discussions.
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