Media Advisory

For Immediate Release

Climate Finance or Failure

Carlos, Racquel, Jacquelyn, and Leslie

When:
November 13, 2024 @ 5:00 PM AZT (UTC+4)

Description:

"Climate Finance or Failure" at COP29 presents a critical evaluation of climate finance in a defining year for global financial commitments to climate action. Recognized as the "Finance COP," COP29 serves as a platform to scrutinize new commitments such as the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and the Loss and Damage Fund, questioning whether these initiatives will catalyze real action or risk becoming symbolic gestures.

This session will engage with the pressing need climate financing, climate specific funding mechanisms, equitable access, and will analyze the systemic challenges within current financial frameworks. Key discussions will highlight the potential role of private sector capital in accelerating climate solutions while addressing concerns about greenwashing and accountability. Additionally, the session will examine the ongoing debate over fossil fuel subsidies and divestment, and whether these financial mechanisms are being sufficiently reallocated to drive effective climate action.

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.

Racquel Moses
Racquel Moses leads the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA), where her work emphasizes harnessing regional innovation to secure fit-for-purpose financing. Her experience positions her at the forefront of advocating for financial structures that are both accessible and impactful for climate-vulnerable communities across the Caribbean. Her mission extends beyond capital access to ensure that investments in the region build real resilience and are not merely symbolic​.

Jacquelyn Francis
As Executive Director of the Global Warming Mitigation Project, Jacquelyn Francis leads efforts to identify and fund pioneering climate solutions, notably through initiatives like the Keeling Curve Prize. Her work focuses on amplifying high-impact projects and fostering a culture of cross-sector collaboration to tackle climate challenges on a global scale.

Leslie Labruto
As a leader in sustainable finance at EDF, Leslie Labruto focuses on channeling private capital into projects that move beyond greenwashing to genuine impact. Her approach prioritizes transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes, especially in addressing the challenges of ESG and sustainable investment standards​.

Where:
Baku Olympic Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan
Press Conference Room Natavan, Area D