9: Talking Net Zero episode 9 - Rachel Hayes
At the cutting edge of energy transition Having spent more than a decade at Exeter-based Regen – an independent not-for-profit body that works with all sectors to revolutionise the way we generate, supply and use energy – Associate Director Rachel Hayes has just started a secondment to the government’s Cabinet Office for COP26. She explains what her new role, as a Senior Strategy Advisor for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, to be held in Glasgow in November, entails. Setting out why COP26 is important, as a significant test of the Paris agreement – which was the first truly global climate change agreement – Rachel talks with Sara Sloman about the big opportunities to engage the public and businesses on climate change. They talk about the “real challenge of making things relatable to the public” when talking about climate change” and the major changes people need to make in their lifestyles. The conversation also covers the amazing success of ReWiRE, now renamed Women in Renewables, the place for professionals to join together, network and share ideas. Rachel discusses the importance of strong mentoring, and the radical new approach to it, by Women in Renewables. She sheds light on how powerful this often-neglected aspect of career development really is.