IEEE Amplifies Tech’s Role in Global Climate Action at COP30 and Beyond

The IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization, has significantly expanded its influence as a trusted partner in global climate action. This evolution was particularly evident at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to November 22, 2025 [1], and continued with the International Symposium on Achieving a Sustainable Climate (ISASC) in December 2025.

IEEE’s Growing Presence at COP Conferences

IEEE’s involvement in COP conferences began in 2021 [1]. Since then, its role has transitioned from contributing individual technical sessions to being recognized as a key partner in driving climate solutions. IEEE President Saifur Rahman highlighted this progression, noting a growing demand for engineering insights not only in discussing technologies but as well in designing pathways for their deployment, capacity-building, and long-term resilience [1].

Key Contributions at COP30 in Belém, Brazil

More than 56,000 delegates, including policymakers, technologists, and representatives from industry and finance, attended COP30 in Belém [1]. The IEEE delegation, led by Rahman, included IEEE Fellow Claudio Canizares and IEEE Member Felipe Emídio Torres [1]. Their contributions spanned several key areas:

• Engineering for Climate Resilience: Rahman presented a project from Shennongjia, China, demonstrating how clean energy can protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity [1].
• Decarbonization Strategies: Rahman chaired a session at the Sustainable Development Goal Pavilion focused on balancing decarbonization efforts between industrialized and emerging economies, emphasizing collaboration and technology transfer [1].
• Climate Resilience Engineering: IEEE and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations co-hosted a panel discussion on engineering strategies for climate resilience, covering energy transition and biodiversity [1].
• Clean-Tech Solutions: The IEEE delegation participated in sessions hosted by the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC) on clean-tech solutions, including fossil fuel-free electricity for remote areas and affordable off-grid solutions [1].
• Inclusive Renewable Energy: Rahman and Torres emphasized the importance of including underrepresented groups in renewable energy transitions during the IYNC’s “Voices of Transition” session [1].
• Indigenous Partnerships: The IEEE representatives engaged with over 5,000 Indigenous leaders at COP30, exploring potential collaborations to address climate change impacts in regions like the Amazon [2].

ISASC: Translating Goals into Action

Following COP30, IEEE hosted the International Symposium on Achieving a Sustainable Climate (ISASC) with the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva on December 16-17, 2025 [1]. The symposium brought together representatives from UN agencies, governments, academia, industry, and standards organizations to focus on the delivery and deployment of clean energy technologies.

Key takeaways from ISASC included:

• Grid Readiness: Most power grid systems are not yet prepared for a full transition to renewable energy, facing challenges related to transmission, interconnection, permitting, and system flexibility [1].
• Regional Pathways: Effective energy transition pathways must be tailored to specific regional resources, social conditions, and funding opportunities [1].
• ICT and Climate: Information and communication technologies are crucial for climate mitigation but also contribute to environmental impact through increased energy and water demand [1].
• Technical Standards: Greater coordination among standards development organizations is needed to accelerate the adoption and interoperability of green technologies and enhance investor confidence [1].
• Technology Assessment Tool: IEEE presented a prototype technology assessment tool to help policymakers and investors compare sustainable climate technologies [1].

Looking Ahead

IEEE’s increasing involvement in international climate forums like COP30 and ISASC underscores its commitment to leveraging engineering expertise to address the climate crisis. As Rahman stated, IEEE aims to become a familiar and trusted provider of solutions as governments move forward with technology deployments [1]. By connecting technical expertise with real-world challenges, IEEE is working to translate global climate goals into measurable actions.