7th Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF) Held Online

On October 7-8, the seventh annual meeting of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF) was held online, hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Prior to the meeting, concurrent sessions on specific topics were also held from September 28 to October 2.

ICEF is attended by the world’s leading experts from industry, academia, and government, and aims to encourage discussion and cooperation on addressing climate change issues through the promotion and acceleration of innovation in the energy and environment areas. The forum was established on the initiative of former Japan’s Prime Minister ABE Shinzo, and its annual meeting has been held in Japan since 2014.

This year’s annual meeting was attended by more than 1300 people from about 80 countries or regions, registered and participated. Main theme of this year was set to "Action toward ‘Beyond Zero’ emissions society in light of COVID-19; with a focus on gender equality". In-depth discussions took place on how to realize "zero emission" society and reach "beyond zero emission", i.e. reduce even CO₂ already emitted in the air. COVID-19 pandemic and gender-related perspectives were added in the discussions.

To raise awareness of world best innovative practices in the energy and environment areas, ICEF Top 10 Innovations were selected out of 20 final candidates by the vote of ICEF participants.

• ICEF official website

• 
  NEDO Chairman ISHIZUKA Hiroaki giving closing remarks
• 
  Dr.YOSHINO Akira presenting at the plenary session "Road to Beyond Zero"