Post COP26: Kazakhstan Proposes An Emerging Market Model For The Green Energy Transition

Post COP26: Kazakhstan Proposes An Emerging Market Model For The Green Energy Transition

A view of the Expo Center in Astana, Kazakhstan. (Photo by James Grant) November was a big month for climate action. Attending leaders, diplomatic delegations, or recorded messages — practically every nation had some presence at this month's United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Even North Korea was represented, with its Ambassador to the United Kingdom attending a speech by South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Leaders across the world agree that it is time for climate action. There is much to lose long-term in failing to take appropriate measures and much to gain if green technology is both economically competitive and energy efficient. However, questions remain for emerging industrial economies attempting to balance decarbonization with development. After all, the West's rise to economic dominance was fueled by hydrocarbons – and now the developed world refuses to fund hydrocarbon projects even if they address energy poverty in emerging markets. Some of those questions were addressed at the three-day Astana Club conference in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, where I spoke last week. Joined by the likes of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and former Turkish President Abdullah Gül – attendees offered perspectives on what Kazakhstan and her Central