• CERAWEEK 2025 | March 10-14, 2025
  • CERAWEEK
  • March 10 - 14, 2025

David Sandalow

Columbia

Inaugural Fellow, Center on Global Energy Policy

David Sandalow is the Inaugural Fellow at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) and Director of the Energy and Environment Concentration at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. His recent writings include the Artificial Intelligence for Climate Change Mitigation Roadmap (December 2023, lead author) and Guide to Chinese Climate Policy (October 2022, lead author). Mr. Sandalow chairs the ICEF Innovation Roadmap Project, leading development of clean energy roadmaps on topics including low-carbon ammonia, biomass carbon removal and storage, industrial decarbonization and direct air capture. He founded and directs CGEP's US-China Program and teaches a 1-2 month short course on the energy transition as a Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University. Previously, Mr. Sandalow served in senior positions at the White House, State Department and U.S. Department of Energy. He has served as Under Secretary of Energy (acting); Assistant Secretary of Energy for Policy & International Affairs; Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, Environment & Science; a Senior Director on the National Security Council staff; and a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. Mr. Sandalow serves as a director of Enagás, SA and Fermata Energy, a senior advisor to BCG, a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies and Distinguished Fellow at the Atlantic Council. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and Yale College.

Sessions With David Sandalow

Monday, 18 March

Wednesday, 20 March

  • 07:15am - 08:20am (CST) / 20/mar/2024 12:15 pm - 20/mar/2024 01:20 pm

    China’s Energy Future: Balancing a multidimensional transformation
    Strategy and Business Models

    Since the Chinese government announced its peak emissions (2030) and carbon neutrality (2060) targets, clean energy development in the country has accelerated. How will China balance decarbonization initiatives, energy security and economic growth? What role will Chinese companies play in low-carbon technology development globally in a world of increasing trade restrictions? What strategies can industry leaders implement to address China’s multidimensional transition effectively?   

  • 03:40pm - 04:10pm (CST) / 20/mar/2024 08:40 pm - 20/mar/2024 09:10 pm

    Symbiosis or Standoff: U.S.-China relations and climate action
    Climate & Sustainability

    As the world’s two largest economies and carbon emitters, the U.S.-China relationship holds significant implications for global efforts to combat climate change. What is the potential for symbiotic collaboration and what are the risks of standoff between these key players? How can shared climate goals foster cooperation in areas such as clean energy technology development, emissions reduction targets and international climate agreements? Join the conversation as we analyze the opportunities and challenges in U.S.-China climate relations and explore pathways for constructive engagement towards a sustainable future. We'll also discuss the geopolitical tensions and policy differences that may hinder effective collaboration. From trade disputes to political differences, understanding the complexities of US-China relations is crucial for advancing meaningful climate action on a global scale.