Podcast: Beyond the Scope of Climate Pledges

Beyond the Scope is a new sustainability podcast series from Schneider Electric that brings sustainability experts and influencers together to offer insightful views on decarbonization solutions and pathways that lie ahead of us.

This sustainability podcast series goes beyond the obvious in support of positive and collective climate action and is powered by insights from the Schneider ElectricTM Sustainability Research Institute.

In the first episode of the podcast series, host, Sumit Bose, journalist, broadcaster, and founder of future Net Zero, is joined by policy expert, Jeannie Salo, USA Government Relations SVP, and sustainability expert, Vincent Petit, Head of the Schneider ElectricTM Sustainability Research Institute.

Sumit, Jeannie, and Vincent discuss the actual impact of climate pledges post-COP26, the means to accelerate the energy transition, and how private-public partnerships are playing a key role in it.

Collective climate action

We’re at a point in history where there is an unprecedented amount of investment and motivation directed towards limiting global warming. It’s evident in how countries updated their pledges and commitments during COP26 and how the Biden administration is placing a keen focus on climate.

Younger generations are also mobilizing as climate activists who truly care about the environment, which in turn is influencing policy. The journey to meeting 1.5°C by 2050 requires that we all act together. The fight against climate change is too much for companies and governments to handle alone.

Decarbonization solutions exist today

The decarbonization solutions we need already exist, as highlighted in the decarbonization scenario, Back to 2050, by the Schneider ElectricTM Sustainability Research Institute. There is no need to wait for new innovations, we should be deploying the technology we have at scale and faster.

The report also found that current climate research does not take enough stock of the demand side of energy. Encouraging changes in energy consumption patterns will also be an important part of reducing emissions and limiting global warming.

Guests

Jeannie Salo, Vice President for Government Relations at Schneider Electric

Jeannie Salo is Vice President for Government Relations at Schneider Electric where she leads government relations policy and advocacy strategies for the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In her role, Jeannie regularly engages with government officials, regulators, industry associations, think tanks, and embassies to advance plan for economic recovery and modernization that includes a more efficient, resilient, digital, & sustainable energy infrastructure.  Prior to joining Schneider Electric, Jeannie held senior positions in Federal government, U.S. Congress, and private sector.

Jeannie led International Corporate Strategy and International Government Affairs work at Eli Lilly & Company. She served in the U.S. Senate as a senior foreign relations advisor and liaison to business constituents. She served at the U.S. Department of State as a senior Foreign Affairs Officer on regional policy and security affairs. Throughout her  career, Jeannie staffed and prepared the Secretary of State, U.S. Senators, multiple congressional delegations, and CEOs, advising them on politics, policy, and public relations. Jeannie lives in Washington, DC with her husband and four children, where they team up to prioritize family while pursuing individual career pursuits. Jeannie received her Master’s Degree from The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University and her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin.

Vincent Petit, Head of the Schneider Electric™ Sustainability Research Institute and SVP Strategy Prospective & External Affairs

Vincent has had a 20-year diverse career at Schneider Electric. Since 2017, he has taken on the role to develop global thought leadership and perspective on the Energy Transition. He is running the Schneider Electric™ Sustainability Research Institute. From 2015 to 2017, Vincent ran the global Energy Automation business, an activity focusing on Smart Grid technologies and made up of a diverse and specialized team across all geographies, including marketing, research and development, and operations.

From 2011 to 2014, he led the Solutions business operations for the CIS zone, including Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Before, he held multiple roles in international projects management and global offer development. Vincent is the author of 4 books: “The Age of Fire is Over: a new approach to the Energy Transition” published in 2021, “The Future of the Global Order: the six paradigm changes that will define 2050” in 2021, “The New World of Utilities: a Historical Transition towards a New Energy System” in 2018, and “The Energy Transition: An Overview of the True Challenge of the 21st Century” in 2017. He graduated from France’s Supéléc engineering school and from the University of Texas at Austin, USA in 2001, with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Where to find Beyond the Scope

You can listen to the Schneider Electric’s Podcast Beyond the Scope on all major podcast directories: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

Learn more about research reports conducted by the Schneider Electric™ Sustainability Research Institute on Insights.