Societal Influences and Social Justice in the Energy Transformation

Paulette is a strong advocate for the rapid transformation of the global energy system to renewable energy for all, used wisely and efficiently. Working closely with ISES is an excellent way to contribute to the transformation.  During her 40-year career as an atmospheric chemist specializing in assessments that bring science to support appropriate decision-making related to energy and the environment, Paulette has come to deeply appreciate the need for this transformation. Paulette strives to effectively use my expertise in research/analyses, program development, and communications/marketing, along with my commitment to collaborative problem solving, to advance ISES’ work. Her professional experience includes leadership positions at University of Texas (PhD Chemistry 1973), National Center for Atmospheric Research, Atmospheric Sciences Research Center at the State University of New York at Albany, Science & Policy Associates, Inc., and RAND.  Ongoing activities include Global Emissions IniAtive (GEIA) coordinator since 1991 and science-based environment/energy advisor to a wide variety of public and private, and stakeholder consortium clients since 2002 through her company Panorama Pathways.  In addition to being ISES Board Member, Paulette also is past Co-Chair of American Solar Energy Society Board of Directors (the USA Section of ISES).

Oluwadabira Abiola-Awe is the Solutions Movement Associate for Student Energy. Building on her
leadership working with young people on energy projects in Nigeria, Oluwadabira is building programs
that aim to launch 10,000 youth-led energy projects globally with funding, skill-building resources, and
mentorship young people need to become the generation that will meet our 2030 climate goals.

Jennie C. Stephens is Professor of Sustainability Science & Policy and Director of School of Public Policy & Urban Affairs at Northeastern University in Boston. Professor Stephens' most recent book, Diversifying Power: Why We Need Antiracist, Feminist Leadership on Climate and Energy (Island Press, 2020), inspires collective action with stories of innovative diverse leaders who are linking climate and energy with jobs and economic justice, health and food, transportation and housing.  Trained at Harvard and Caltech, she is an educator, social justice advocate, and internationally-recognized expert on renewable transformation, energy democracy, climate justice, and gender in energy.

Anna Skowron is a passionate advocate for a 100% renewable energy future. She heads the World Future Council's Energy and Just Development program, where she supports countries and civil society to develop country-tailored, long-term renewable energy strategies and legislators to develop enabling policy frameworks, maximizing the manifold benefits of renewables and breaking up silo-thinking. Before joining the WFC, Anna has worked with the Climate Action Network’s 100% RE campaign and with the UN in Indonesia.