07 November 2024 - 09 November 2024

Climate and security trade-offs: Transatlantic industrial and trade policy in the green transition

This Ditchley conference, in collaboration with the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, which will examine the tensions and opportunities around trade, climate, and national security in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. 

How does the increasing intersection of geopolitics with the green transition shape how we govern and move forward? Will strategic rivalry drive innovation and collaboration in ways that support global climate ambitions, or risk a drag on energy transitions and global decarbonisation? 

The conference will explore opportunities for new coalitions both between states and with the private sector. Specifically, this conference will seek to explore the distinct roles of the UK, US and Europe in the development, supply and use of clean energy technologies, trade and industrial policies.

Terms of Reference for the discussion can be found in the links below together with a draft programme.

Terms of Reference
Programme
Travel Guidance

Ditchley Rule:
Participants are reminded of the confidential basis on which Ditchley conferences are held. All those participating do so in their personal capacities, not as spokespeople for any country or institution. The discussions are subject to the ‘Ditchley Rule’: all contributions are unattributable and interventions are made in strict confidence; this also applies to conversations outside the formal sessions. Those present are, however, free to draw on the substance of what has been said, but not under any circumstances to disclose who it was that said it. The Rule will be scrupulously observed in any post-conference reports.

Attire:
Ditchley conferences are informal (business casual) throughout, except for dinner on the second evening. It is a Ditchley tradition that dress for the formal dinner on the second evening is Black Tie. However, this is not at all a requirement - please be assured that you will feel entirely comfortable in a business suit or another form of evening attire, whether modern or traditional. It is worth noting that, although Sir David Wills, the founder of the Ditchley Foundation, instigated the tradition of Black Tie dinners, he never wore Black Tie himself. He wanted to ensure that no one would feel uncomfortable if they had not come with formal clothes. That captures the Ditchley spirit.