Kosovo's Fight for Sustainable Energy Access: Where is American Aid Going?, Feb 17

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The international community is at a crossroads. Out of concerns regarding climate change, the world’s major public financial institutions -- including the World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development-- have pledged to stop funding new coal projects overseas, except in rare cases. But the real test of that commitment is still an open question in Kosovo. Will these institutions pass their own test?

With support from the World Bank and US Government, the Kosovar Government has already begun the initial process of designing a new, inefficient coal power plant, Kosovo C, with air pollution emissions up to twice as high as those allowed under both US and Chinese regulations. The Kosovar people and leading environmental organizations are advocating for increased energy efficiency and use of clean energy sources. In the US, we can help by holding the US Government and World Bank accountable to their commitment to stop financing new coal projects overseas.

This event will highlight what is happening in Kosovo, the problems with the proposed Kosovo C plant, and the upcoming environmental and social impact assessment for the project. Speakers will include Dr. Dan Kammen, Director of UC Berkeley's Renewable and Appropriate Energy Lab, who will be discussing a working paper on sustainable energy pathways in Kosovo, as well as a representative from the Sierra Club.

The event will be informative and actionable. This plant is not yet approved and the audience can play a role in impacting its fate. Come be a part of the conversation and the solution

Beverages and food will be provided.