Net Zero World Delegation Visits Lawrence, Kansas, to Learn About Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development
Lawrence, Kansas—From July 15 to 18, the City of Lawrence welcomes a distinguished delegation from Chile and U.S. Department of Energy representatives as part of the Net Zero World Initiative. This visit underscores Lawrence's commitment to sustainable development and environmental justice within the framework of Just Energy Transitions.
The delegation, composed of Chilean officials and representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, Argonne National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, will engage in educational and cultural exchanges to enhance their understanding of environmental topics. This Initiative provides a unique platform for Lawrence to showcase its innovative approaches to sustainability, equity, and economic development.
Itinerary Highlights:
Watkins Museum of History: The delegation will explore Lawrence's rich historical heritage and learn about the city's environmental and social justice evolution.
Peaselee Tech: A visit to this leading technical training center will highlight the importance of workforce development in the transition to a green economy.
The University of Kansas School of Engineering: Delegates will interact with faculty and students, discussing cutting-edge research and technological advancements in renewable energy and sustainability.
Baker Wetlands: A guided tour of this ecological treasure will illustrate the significance of wetland conservation and biodiversity in combating climate change.
Delicias del Sur: The delegation will visit the newly opened restaurant on Mass Street, featuring Chilean cuisine along with other South American favorites.
The highlight of the visit will be the signing of a Sister City declaration between the City of Lawrence and the City of Tocopilla, Chile. This agreement, to be signed by Lawrence Mayor Bart Littlejohn and Tocopilla Mayor Ljubica Kurtovic, will formalize a partnership centered around environmental considerations. Lawrence enjoys Sister Cities relationships with Eutin, Germany; Hiratska, Japan; and Iniades, Greece; however, this new partnership will be the first to focus on cultural exchange, environmental justice, and sustainability goals.
Mayor Littlejohn expressed enthusiasm about the delegation's visit, stating, "This Sister City match offers Lawrence and Tocopilla the opportunity to work together on our common goals and build lasting connections between our communities. We can learn a lot from each other and ways to grow our economies while striving to meet our environmental goals.”
The Net Zero World Initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to assist countries in achieving their net-zero emissions targets through collaborative international efforts. This visit to Lawrence represents a vital component of this global mission, emphasizing the role of local communities in driving sustainable change.
Lawrence Sister Cities invites community members and the media to welcome our guests and celebrate this milestone in international collaboration.
About Net Zero World:
Net Zero World is a U.S. Government initiative, led by the Department of Energy (DOE), that leverage expertise across government agencies and the DOE national laboratory system to advance global energy system decarbonization. The program works with partner countries to develop tailored strategies addressing technical clean energy pathways and deployment and investment opportunities that keep the goal of net-zero emissions within reach.