Bridging science, technology and policy: Prof. Daniel M. KAMMEN’s call for a just energy transition
Prof. Daniel M. Kammen of Johns Hopkins University delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Innovation and Cooperation for the Just Energy Transition” on 26 January 2026 at the PolyU campus. The event attracted nearly 100 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of more than 16,200 across various social media platforms.
Prof. Kammen commenced his presentation by providing an overview of the current landscape of sustainable and reliable clean energy. He emphasised that, at present, climate science, technology and policy are not sufficiently aligned. While technologies are advancing rapidly to keep global warming to within 1.5°C, achieving a truly sustainable future critically requires pro‑environment, inclusive‑growth, and pro‑business choices made at every level — household, local, regional, national, and global.
Prof. Kammen illustrated how clean energy can drive inclusive growth by sharing examples from energy markets in the western United States. He highlighted a suite of energy, transportation and land-use modelling tools, and policy opportunities that are consistent with the 1.5°C objective, while also addressing social and environmental justice goals. He stressed that a just energy transition must ensure the equitable distribution of both the benefits and costs of decarbonisation, with particular attention to vulnerable and marginalised communities, and that new green jobs and economic opportunities are accessible to all.
Prof. Kammen then discussed clean energy transitions in China and Africa, highlighting data science methods that reduced energy dispatch delays by 20% and increased revenue. In Chengdu, the integration of green transport and a new carbon accounting tool has encouraged commuters to adopt low-carbon options, optimised bus networks, and improved efficiency, generating significant revenue. In Africa, the Health, Electrification and Telecommunications Alliance (HETA) has improved rural healthcare accessibility by powering health facilities with solar energy, showcasing the impact of integrating social and technical approaches. Supported by global organisations, HETA carries out projects to electrify health facilities and build green supply chains, thereby advancing healthcare and climate goals.
In conclusion, Prof. Kammen asserted that smart, adaptive grid technologies and architectures are a critical asset for sustainability, enabling resilient, renewable‑based energy systems and ensuring equitable access to clean power. He stressed the need to accelerate partnerships in these areas and noted that energy must play a greater role in sustainable water and health systems. He also emphasised that ocean health is inseparable from human health, and that building sustainable societies will require cross-sectoral collaboration across science, technology and policy.
The presentation was followed by a lively question-and-answer session, moderated by Prof. GUO Ye, Associate Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering. Both on-site and online audiences engaged actively in a thoughtful exchange with Prof. Kammen, reflecting the widespread interest and commitment to advancing the just energy transition.
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