Inside the energy transition’s new scientific advice panel

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Dialogue Earth or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition (SPGET) has been launched to provide independent scientific guidance on fossil fuel phaseout and energy transition strategies
• Announced at Colombia’s Transition Away conference, the panel aims to deliver timely, actionable reports to inform national and global decarbonization roadmaps ahead of COP31

🔭 The context: SPGET was conceived at COP30 in Brazil and will be co-chaired by Ottmar Edenhofer (Germany), Gilberto Jannuzzi (Brazil), and Vera Songwe (Cameroon)
• Around 80 scientists across four working groups, transition pathways, technology, policies, and finance, will produce monthly reports, advised by civil society and the private sector
• Unlike the IPCC, SPGET reports will not require government approval, though governments will be able to request targeted analyses
• The first report is expected at COP31 in November

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: By providing evidence-based strategies for phasing out fossil fuels and scaling clean energy, SPGET seeks to accelerate global decarbonization and reduce emissions that drive climate change
• Independent guidance on transition pathways, technology adoption, and finance can help governments and investors avoid delays that exacerbate global warming and environmental degradation

⏭️ What’s next: SPGET would focus on delivering its first global policy brief at COP31 while continuing to develop national roadmaps
• Funding gaps and ensuring equitable participation from Global South scientists remain key challenges, alongside securing uptake of its recommendations by ambivalent governments

💬 One quote: “If it’s done well, there could be strong results. If not, it could end up undermining the science rather than strengthening it.” – Paola Yanguas Parra, International Institute for Sustainable Development

📈 One stat: Approximately 80 scientists will contribute across four working groups to produce SPGET’s reports and recommendations for governments and stakeholders

Track the real‑world impact behind the sustainability headlines. Illuminem’s Data Hub™ offers transparent performance data and climate targets of companies driving the transition.

Click for more news covering the latest on energy transition, and subscribe to our newsletter for the stories shaping the future of sustainability.