In this thought-provoking episode of Energ’Ethic, we sit down with Jad Mouawad, a trailblazer in climate communication and a key figure in the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) pivot towards clean energy advocacy. With a career spanning over two decades, Jad has been at the forefront of merging energy policy with climate imperatives, advocating for a future where energy security and sustainability go hand in hand.

Bridging Climate and Energy Policies:
Jad reflects on the evolution of energy coverage, from its initial environmental footprint to its undeniable impact on climate change. He shares his journey from The New York Times, where he championed the integration of energy industry coverage with climate implications, to his pivotal role at the IEA.

The IEA’s Transformation:
We delve into Jad’s experiences during a pivotal era at the IEA under Dr. Fatih Birol’s leadership. Jad discusses the agency’s ambitious mission to lead the clean energy transition, outlining the strategic shifts and the development of influential scenarios, including the net-zero pathway aligned with the Paris Agreement goals.

Mainstreaming Information:
Jad emphasizes moving beyond traditional report-centric approaches to disseminate key messages through a vibrant digital ecosystem. He highlights innovative strategies, from revamping the IEA’s website to leveraging partnerships with Google and Wikipedia and even co-creating the engaging ‘Climate Game’ with the Financial Times.

Combatting Misinformation:
In an era of rampant misinformation, Jad addresses the challenges of maintaining public trust in media and factual information. He provides insights into the IEA’s efforts to offer accessible, transparent data and analysis, fostering informed public discourse on climate and energy.

Competing for Attention:
Acknowledging the difficulty of keeping the climate crisis in the public eye amidst pressing global issues, Jad underscores the need for consistent, compelling communication to ensure environmental concerns remain a priority.

Convincing the Audiences:
Jad shares his perspective on the opportunities and challenges in convincing diverse audiences of the urgency of climate action. He stresses the importance of compelling storytelling and public policy support to drive societal change.

Trust in Science and Accessibility:
With a nod to the robust trust in scientists, Jad discusses the critical role of making scientific messages more accessible to the public, enhancing the impact of scientific findings on society.

The Power of Positive News:
Jad advocates for sharing progress in the energy transition to inspire action. He reflects on the importance of recognizing achievements while acknowledging the distance, instilling hope and determination in the face of a changing climate.

The Power of Information:
With a powerful message on the transformative potential of information, Jad calls for a concerted effort to reshape perceptions through factual storytelling, highlighting the economic and societal shifts already underway.

Join us as we explore these themes with Jad Mouawad, seeking to understand who we should listen to and trust in the journey toward a sustainable and just energy future.

Resources:


IMF: Public Perceptions of Climate Mitigation Policies: Evidence from Cross-Country Surveys
Ipsos Earth Day poll (2023)
Pew Trust in Scientists poll (2022)
Reuters Digital News Report 2023 (about TikTok and other social networks)
Rowan Atkinson's (Mr Bean) editorial in the Guardian
Rebuttal by Simon Evans
IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2023


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