Media Advisory

For Immediate Release

Climate Finance or Failure

Raya, Tom, Dan, and Carlos

Program Video Link

When:
December 3, 2023 @ 3:00 PM GST (UTC+4)

Description:

"Climate Finance or Failure" at COP 28 is a session that delves into the complexities of funding climate action and sustainable development initiatives. In this era where financial strategies are integral to combating climate change, this program will explore how financial systems and mechanisms can be leveraged and innovated to support environmental sustainability. Key discussions will focus on equitable and effective financing strategies in the context of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, addressing and identifying impactful solutions versus false solutions.

Panelists:

Carlos Garcia
Carlos Garcia is the Vice President of Impact & Partnership for the Astra Project, a program office designed to launch tactical climate initiatives focused on the most critical levers of climate action. A seasoned professional with 13+ years in the energy and environmental sectors, Carlos has independently influenced key federal legislative changes in the bipartisan infrastructure bill and inflation reduction act. In roles at the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance and Building Decarbonization Coalition, Carlos actively shaped climate policies, facilitated complex discussions, and expanded coalition memberships. A sought-after industry expert, Carlos has delivered keynote speeches at major events such as Reuters, UNFCCC COP, VERGE, and the Renewable Energy Markets Conference.

Raya Salter
Raya Salter, AKA "Climate Auntie" is an energy justice movement attorney, activist, author and the founder and executive director of the Energy Justice Law & Policy Center. She is a member of the New York State Climate Action Council, sits on the board of EESI and the Advisory Board of Evergreen Action.

Raya is an adjunct professor at Cardozo Law School, is widely published on matters of energy regulation and the author of "Energy Justice" (2018).She has over 15 years experience of energy regulatory experience, both in private practice (Dewey & LeBoeuf) and for NGOs, including the NY Renews Coaltion, NRDC and the Environmental Defense Fund.

She is an environmental justice advisor to the House Oversight and Natural Resource Committees and has testified twice before congress. Raya went viral after standing her ground against the GOP during a big oil hearing. IG: ClimateAuntie Twitter/LinkedIn: Raya Salter; RayaSalter.com Wesleyan University, Fordham Law.

Tom Goldtooth
A Diné (Navajo) of the Dibé izhiní clan on his mother’s side, Tom Goldtooth is Dakota Bdewakantonwan Hunka from Minnesota. His ceremonial Dakota name is Mato Awanyankapi (The Bears Look Over Him). A Sundance ceremonial leader, he is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental Network, working for the rights of Indigenous Peoples, rights of Mother Earth and for environmental and economic justice. Tom has networked with Indigenous Peoples and spiritual/religious leaders globally helping humanity to re-evaluate their relationship to the sacredness of Grandmother – Mother Earth.

As Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental Network, Tom has built an organization of 250 Indigenous communities focused on climate justice, energy, toxics, water, globalization and trade, and sustainable development, He co-produced an award-winning documentary film, Drumbeat for Mother Earth, which details the effects of bio-accumulative chemicals on Indigenous communities.

Dan Galpern
Dan Galpern is founder, executive director, and general counsel to Climate Protection & Restoration Initiative, a US nonprofit organization. He has served as legal and policy adviser to climate scientist Dr. James Hansen since 2011. Prior to the law, Dan worked for 20 years as a public interest analyst and advocate for human rights and global security.

Where:
Dubai, UAE, Expo City, Press Conference Room 2 - Zone B6 - Building 77