In this episode of Old Town New World, we talk to Clarence Edwards, U.S. Executive Director of E3G, a global think tank working at the intersection of climate, geopolitics, and economics. Clarence shares how E3G builds international consensus on climate action—working with governments, the private sector, and energy industries to move toward the organization’s mission of a safe climate for all. He reflects on his earlier career lobbying for the Quaker Church on climate and energy policy, and explains why E3G no longer engages directly in U.S. politics, focusing instead on global collaboration and forward-looking climate strategy.

Clarence brings over two decades of experience in U.S. foreign policy, international development, and strategic communications, having represented governments, NGOs, and foundations. Before joining E3G, he led sustainable energy and environmental policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation and previously spent six years at the Australian Embassy advising on U.S. government engagement. He has also represented organizations such as the Sabin Vaccine Institute, the ONE Campaign, and the Enough Project, and held roles at the Department of Energy, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the State Department.