Climate Institute Celebrates 40 Years with DC Climate Week Event on South America's Clean Energy Future

High-level event will explore pathways to accelerate clean energy transitions and economic growth across the region.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 9:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Climate Institute will celebrate its 40th anniversary during DC Climate Week 2026 with a high-level Earth Day event, 'Electrification of South America: Roadmap to Prosperity,' convening leading policymakers, experts, and international institutions to explore pathways to accelerate clean energy transitions and economic growth across the region. The event will feature senior government officials and experts from Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina discussing how comprehensive electrification strategies can support decarbonization and economic development.

Why it matters

For four decades, the Climate Institute has worked to advance practical climate solutions at the intersection of science, policy, and innovation. This event reflects the organization's legacy and future focus on bringing together global leaders who are actively shaping the transition to a clean energy economy, particularly in emerging markets like South America.

The details

The Earth Day event will be guided by Walter Vergara, Vice President of Latin America Programs at the Climate Institute, whose decades of leadership have helped shape climate and energy strategies across the region and globally. Featured presenters include Karina Araujo Souza from Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy, Arianna Spinelli from Uruguay's Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining, Isabella Villanueva from Chile's Ministry of Energy, and Roque Pedace from the University of Buenos Aires. The panel discussion will also include reactions and global perspectives from experts at the World Bank and other international institutions.

  • The event will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (Earth Day) as part of DC Climate Week.
  • The Climate Institute will also present at the DC Climate Week Leadership Forum and host a 40th Anniversary Reception on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Walter Vergara

Vice President of Latin America Programs at the Climate Institute, whose decades of leadership have helped shape climate and energy strategies across the region and globally.

Karina Araujo Souza

Director for Energy Transition at Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy.

Arianna Spinelli

National Director for Energy at Uruguay's Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining.

Isabella Villanueva

Chief of Long-Term Energy Planning at Chile's Ministry of Energy.

Roque Pedace

Researcher in Energy and Climate Change at the University of Buenos Aires.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This event features top leaders who are advancing real solutions that demonstrate how the energy transition can work on the ground in communities across South America and the world.”

— Walter Vergara, Vice President, Climate Institute

“For four decades, the Climate Institute has worked at the intersection of science, policy, and innovation to advance practical climate solutions. This event reflects both our legacy and our future—bringing together global leaders who are actively shaping the transition to a clean energy economy.”

— Michele Fetting, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Climate Institute

What’s next

The Climate Institute will present at the DC Climate Week Leadership Forum and host a 40th Anniversary Reception on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

This event highlights the Climate Institute's long-standing role in advancing international climate cooperation and its continued focus on scalable solutions, particularly in the Global South, as it marks 40 years of global leadership.