Sessions

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.

We don’t always know how to express it, but many of us feel it: There’s something wrong with America today. The mood is tense. More Americans say they won’t have children because of climate change and other future catastrophes. But are things really as bad as they seem? Is decline something we need to accept—or is there a case for a new optimism?

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.

The Colorado River Compact is 100 years old, and its guidelines for water use across the American West are about to expire. Facing drought, increased population, and disagreements on how to share the water, what policies and technologies could get a new agreement across the finish line? John Entsminger, Nevada’s lead negotiator for the Compact; Bidtah Becker, attorney with...

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...

The world’s young leaders are leading the charge to ensure future generations inherit a vibrant and thriving planet. Hear from inspiring leaders and changemakers, among them Indigenous youth, about the urgent work being done through innovative and inclusive solutions, activism, and community resilience.

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.

As the impacts of climate change become more evident on natural habitats, widespread focus on protecting these places is more critical than ever. With Hollywood finally flexing its cultural muscle to bring the climate crisis to worldwide audiences, we talk to the creatives working in both the real and imagined future worlds, with a shared mission of connecting people with...

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...

Join Deloitte, University of Colorado Boulder, and Aspen Institute experts for a conversation at the intersection of cutting-edge research and inclusive innovation on climate resilience. As severe weather and climate-driven natural disasters become the new norm, find out how to reduce climate-related risks across geographies and demographics. Presented by Deloitte

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?

Across corporate America, companies are making changes to lower their carbon footprint and still maintain profitability. Leaders at two of the largest American companies — Amazon and GM — share the kinds of initiatives the private sector can apply to accelerate to net zero. The road to carbon neutrality is paved with expertise, challenges and promise.

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.

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.

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.

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...