Premiere Environmental Diplomat Erik Solheim Addresses International E- Internship Programme on Climate Change and Biodiversity

On the 3^rd of July, Mr Erik Solheim, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, addressed the interns at the International E-Internship Programme on Climate Change and Biodiversity. He gave a talk on the "Role of Clean Energy in meeting the targets of Paris Climate Agreement". Having had experience in the diverse roles of diplomacy, science and politics over his career, Mr Erik shared the many success stories from around the world en-route to achieving the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Highlighting the importance of equity in partnership, the principle of common but differentiated responsibility across countries to the interns, Mr Erik eloquently explained the many aspects of Climate Action to the interns. Mr Erik stressed on the two steps of Electrification and achieving Circular Economy as the path towards positive climate impact for all the countries. Pointing at the world's largest solar electrified airport in Cochin in India, he mentioned that the market has been very favorable to renewable energies and this is a very good direction that the world has been moving in.

The interns showed a set of presentations to the Mr Erik and the TERRE team as a part of their weekly assignment. Dr Shende as well as Mr Erik were truly impressed at the efforts of the interns for their clarity of thought and illustrative presentations. The interns were very enthusiastic in asking questions to Mr Erik who guided their thinking towards a path for individual action and personal responsibility. The interns were thrilled at being given such a rare opportunity to interact with an expert of this caliber.