As leaders in California and the European Commission chart their separate paths toward a greener planet, they share many of the same goals and challenges. A small panel of experts and high-level policy makers are coming together to discuss their efforts and explore possible ways to work together to find new ways to grow economies in a sustainable and equitable manner.

The new European Commission, which was installed at the end of last year, adopted its Communication on the European Green Deal on 11 December 2019 stating the intend to enshrine its climate goals in legislation, the ‘European Climate Law’. On July 21, 2020, the EU governments approved the most ambitious climate change plan to date, agreeing to pour a record setting 500 billion euros ($572 billion) into everything from electric cars to renewable energy and agriculture.

This past April, Governor Gavin Newsom formed the Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, bringing together leaders across California’s diverse, innovative economic and social sectors to chart a path forward on recovery in the wake of COVID-19. The goal is to present tangible actions to rebuild California, emphasizing smart, green technologies and providing a model for just economic development for the US.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges , we must focus on the opportunities to improve and adapt our plans to drive a green recovery. Join us for a lively discussion with Jared Blumenfeld, California’s Secretary for Environmental Protection and John Bell, Directorate General Research & Innovation at the European Commission, joined by a panel of experts.