Each issue we sit down with a core team member and chat about their work and objectives, views on mitigating climate change, and inside perspectives on the ETC’s work.
In this issue, we get to know Apoorva Hasija, Programme Manager – PMO, Member Engagement and Publications at the ETC. Apoorva manages the ongoing engagement with global members across the commission and oversees the ETC publication programme. She has managed the publication of multiple ETC reports, notably: Achieving Zero-Carbon Buildings (2025), Credible Contributions: Bolder Plans for Higher Climate Ambition in the Next Round of NDCs (2024), Fossil Fuels in Transition (2023) and Material and Resource Requirements for the Energy Transition (2023).
What made you join the ETC?
I have always been drawn to roles with a strong public impact, previously in education and health, which paved my path to the fantastic opportunity at the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group 3, where I managed the delivery of the WGIII Assessment Report 6 report on climate change mitigation. Working closely with climate scientists, industry experts, and the extraordinary team within the Technical Support Unit, I recognised the vast array of existing technological solutions and became an optimist about the potential impact. The learning curve was steep but incredibly rewarding, and it cemented my desire to stay in the sector.
The opportunity at the ETC was culmination of the IPCC journey into a perfect next step. Having seen governments and academics working relentlessly to shape the answers to climate change, I was drawn to ETC’s unique and curious mix of organisations to actively problem-solve. The collaborative, solution-oriented nature stood out as an exciting space where I could apply my experience and continue making a tangible impact.
What’s your proudest achievement to date at the ETC?
I could list the fantastic, widely successful, and impactful outputs I have contributed to since joining the ETC, but what truly fills me with pride is the deep sense of drive within the team. Showing up every day to tackle the challenge of energy transition, one of the biggest issues of our time, is incredibly inspiring. It is not just about individual achievements but about being part of a group that is relentlessly committed to making a difference.
A personal highlight for me is the ETC member meetings, the annual touchpoints when all our members come together. This is when the Commission truly comes to life, and we see the power of collective action in full force. Witnessing the energy, collaboration, and shared ambition in these moments is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
What does the energy transition mean to you?
I’ll keep it simple: it is an opportunity to assess how we have lived and rethink how we continue to live. It is not just a technical challenge but a transformational shift that can lead to a healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable future for all.
On the pathway to net zero, what do you see as the biggest obstacle?
That the implementation of solutions will not happen at the same pace or in the same way everywhere. We have many of the technologies and solutions needed, and there are 3 key, interlinked challenges that we must tackle head-on.
First, the growing polarisation in geopolitics creates uncertainty and fragmentation, making international cooperation on climate action more difficult and has provided the ground for misinformation to increasingly take up space.
Second, climate finance for mitigation and adaptation remains a critical puzzle piece, especially in ensuring that emerging economies have the resources to transition equitably.
Third, we need stronger, policy-backed industry shifts to drive system-wide change. Without clear policies and regulatory frameworks, progress will be uneven, and industries may struggle to transition at the scale and speed required.
Overcoming these challenges requires a coordinated, global effort to ensure that the transition is not only effective but also fair and inclusive.
What are you most excited about that’s coming up at the ETC?
ETC was set up in response to the Paris agreement in 2016 and it has continued to evolve since. What I truly enjoy is that it is an organisation that does not shy away from difficult questions but instead drives momentum by seeking answers.
In that light, at a broad level, I look forward to seeing the ETC continue to shape and course-correct the discourse in an era of increasing noise and disinformation. We do this through our rigorous analyses, the collective strength of our members, external engagements, rallying behind other organisations, expanding regional efforts, and constantly evolving our approach.
Then, on a personal level, my role as the ETC Programme Manager enables me to work across functions, giving me the opportunity to drive impact from within and I am eager to further unlock my potential – not just in what I can deliver, but in what I continue to learn. I also derive great joy in seeing my colleagues increasingly own their areas of expertise, and the compounded effect of this is clear as more of us carve out our niches and define our paths in this sector.
Experiencing this growth, both at the organisational level and on an individual scale, makes it even more inspiring and exciting.
What’s the best piece of advice that you received from an ETC colleague?
The best piece of advice I received from an ETC colleague is something simple yet impactful: Know when to withdraw and when to chip in when leading a team.
As someone who is naturally a doer and also passionate about mentoring, this advice has been invaluable in shaping my management style. It has taught me the importance of balancing hands-on involvement with creating space for others to step up and grow. The time I invest in mentoring today pays off in the long run, as I see my team develop their skills, confidence, and potential. Watching that growth unfold is incredibly rewarding.