It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Mark Joseph Laabs, a member of our community, on February 20th 2024. Mark joined the Energy Transitions Commission as one of the first Commissioners when the coalition was established in 2016. The same year he co-founded Modern Energy.
Mark was a respected expert and champion of the energy transition. He was an active ETC member for over five years. He made significant contributions to the ETC’s work, including Making Mission Possible, showing that a net-zero global economy is technically and economically possible by mid-century, and Keeping 1.5°C Alive, recommending immediate, large-scale actions in the 2020s to deliver the Paris Agreement. Mark firmly advocated and believed that a range of stakeholders, from businesses to local governments, should collaborate on practical solutions to the critical climate challenges.
Mark also played a central role in setting up the relationship between the ETC and the Nicholas Institute for Energy, hosted by Duke University, on which he served on the board.
The Commission offers deep condolences to Mark’s family, colleagues and all who knew him.