Environment
Sustainability
How fast can the world really move off hydrocarbons, and are we underestimating deep macroeconomic analyses of the energy transition in our policymaking? Two financiers delve into the complex dynamics surrounding the global shift toward more sustainable energy, including why Middle East economies that invest in renewable energy continue to depend on a robust oil trade, and...
Changes are coming to the world’s biggest ridesharing service, like sustainability features, a more efficient food delivery system, efforts to improve the driver experience, and a plan to make the company emissions-free. After spending time behind the wheel of Ubers himself, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi shares what he’s learned and a vision for the company’s next chapter.
An advanced nuclear power plant is coming to Wyoming. Funded by Bill Gates’ TerraPower, it will use cutting edge technology that aims to provide safer and more sustainable nuclear energy. Wyoming’s governor and the company’s CEO share their optimism, address concerns around technology, and expand on the bumpy road to building nuclear power in America.
How are business leaders navigating rising expectations from employees, investors, customers, and communities in a fractured political environment, while progressing on the long-term success of their companies? Hear from executives working in real time to balance competing interests, and about what they see ahead.
With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris administration has committed a record amount of federal funds to encourage the advancement of clean energy, but myriad regulatory, political, and practical challenges remain to meet our climate goals. White House clean energy advisor John Podesta shares how the administration is implementing the IRA and work...
Despite the worthy intentions of government and corporate leaders, the Paris Agreement targets of holding global warming to near 1.5°C may not be met, and many organizations say they don’t have plans and data to actually reach climate goals. This session will discuss strategies needed to design a net-zero future. Presented by Deloitte
In this series of short talks, leaders of energy start-ups pitch their big ideas: using A.I. to find critical minerals under the Earth’s surface, installing geothermal systems in your home, ensuring the safety of clean tech, and storing clean energy in the grid when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining.
Meet three disruptive business leaders — all part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network — who drive significant economic value by leveraging emerging technologies to create sustainable, inclusive, and efficient business models in drug delivery, banking, and community-focused finance. Putting values-based leadership first, they address societal needs and drive economic gro...
How do we balance demand for a speedy transition to clean energy with the needs of those who depend so heavily on fossil fuels, especially in the developing world? Based on today’s climate science, how fast do we need to move, and what unintended consequences should be considered? In this conversation, two scientists go behind the headlines to weigh the pros and cons of th...
Chevron’s top executive shared that the company “intends to be a leader in advancing a lower carbon future” through investments in renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture. How do these efforts stand in the context of global climate goals, and what role will fossil fuels play in our future?
All eyes are on clean hydrogen thanks to its potential as a versatile, low-carbon energy source that could help decarbonize sectors like transportation and power generation. In this session, get the lay of the land behind the hydrogen hype.
Over the past few years, companies have come off the sidelines regarding major policy issues from gun violence to climate change. For Levi Strauss & Co and Patagonia, advocating for their values and modeling good corporate behavior is right up there with selling jeans and puffy jackets. Here’s a look behind their thinking.
If climate change is the issue that defines the 21st century, how are we preparing the next generation to lead on this challenge? Deans from two of America’s top institutions focused on climate — Stanford and Columbia — discuss their approach to educating tomorrow’s leaders with a person key to hiring them: the chief sustainability officer at General Motors.
Known for her groundbreaking initiatives and bold leadership, GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra was the first leader of a legacy U.S. automaker to pledge to make all cars and SUVs electric by 2035, laying down the gauntlet for her competitors. With partnerships recently announced with Tesla to provide access to more EV chargers across the country, what does the future hold for c...
As Patagonia celebrates its 50th anniversary, CEO Ryan Gellert reflects on the company’s legacy in the wake of a transformational decision to legally restructure and commit all profits to environmental causes.
A historic opportunity to accelerate positive outcomes for the environment, communities, and shareholders may be within reach as unprecedented federal funding for sustainable initiatives provides innovation opportunities for the private sector. Join this panel to learn how to invest in climate and equity to benefit the bottom line, catalyze innovation, and attract and reta...
Does going electric mean buying lithium from Russia and Venezuela? What happens if the United States takes carbon action while competitors don’t? Experts weigh in on the geopolitical implications — and opportunities — of a global transition to cleaner energy.
Policy, business practices, and profound breakthroughs in technology might be the raw ingredients for building a clean energy future, but can these solutions be deployed at the unprecedented scale needed? A top energy expert sets the scene by describing the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Environmental stewardship has become as much a watchword in the business sector as it has among activists and advocates. When corporate executives start talking about the importance of ecosystems, regenerative agriculture, and responsible product sourcing, and NGOs promote innovative financing mechanisms that forgive national debt in exchange for funding conservation activ...
Imagine a world in which every kid in every city can go outside and explore the natural world. Urban ecology centers model outdoor play and promote connection, while restoring natural beauty to cities. How can urban leaders transform blighted parks into catalysts for social and environmental change? How can we spread this big idea to cities around the world? An expert pres...