INSTITUTE OF THE AMERICAS

Environment & Climate Change (EC2) Program: IOAs EC2 program strives to catalyze climate leadership amongst the private sector and local/regional governments in the Americas to promote sustainable growth, tackle climate change and minimize environmental impacts in the region with the goal of protecting its rich marine and land-based natural capital. IOA partnered with ICELI-USA and Resilient Cities Catalyst (RCC) to support the U.S. State Departments subnational initiative, Cities Forward, through the organization of a Western Hemispheric Dialogue on Climate Adaptation and Resilience held in Sao Paulo, Brazil in June 2024 attended by 12 municipalities from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). IOA also organized the first Binational Forum on Sustainable Maritime Transport and Ports in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico in February 2024 attended by a multistakeholder group from Mexico, the U.S, other LAC countries and subject matter experts from Brazil and the European Union. In 2024, IOA organized its 2d annual Un Dia Por Los Mares event in Mexico City to promote marine protected areas in Mexico and the broader Eastern Tropical Pacific. To promote expanded science diplomacy in Latin America, IOAs Gulf of California Marine Programs Data Mares initiative also participated in the 6th International Book Fair, FILUNI, hosted by UNAM in Mexico City.

Energy & Sustainability Program: With the climate imperative and increased importance of energy security, the Energy & Sustainability Program continues to serve as a crucial platform for thought-leadership. At the core of our mission, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of the Western Hemispheres most critical energy and sustainability issues. In 2024, we convened our 5th annual Madrid Energy Conference; organized energy roundtable with industry leaders and government in Argentina and Brazil; and held the 33rd annual La Jolla Energy Conference in October 2024. IOA also continued to host myriad webinars and virtual discussions including periodic meetings and briefings with our Steering Committee and Non-Resident fellows. In 2024, IOA completed work on a decarbonization in Latin America that was published and continued to support energy literacy with civic leaders in Mexico through its Energy Ambassadors Program in the states of Baja California and Sonora.