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Special Event Climate Change: A Challenge We Must Address
Combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas is increasing the
concentrations of climate-warming (greenhouse) gases in the
atmosphere since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Past
emissions have initiated warming of about 0.3oF to 0.4oF
per decade over the last few decades, while at the same
time causing melting back of snow cover and Arctic sea ice, more
frequent occurrence of very heavy precipitation, intensifying severe
storms, raising sea levels, and shifting in the natural ranges of
plants and animals. Without limits on emissions, much greater change
will occur during the next hundred years, including setting the world
on a path to sea level rise of many feet over the next few
centuries. To limit the most adverse consequences, society needs to
shift away from energy technologies that release carbon dioxide,
methane, and other greenhouse gases—and do this over the next
several decades.
Who should attend: Everyone interested in the future of the
planet---how we will be affected and the legacy we are leaving to
future generations.
What you’ll learn: The extent to which we are changing the
climate and prospective impacts on the climate and society in the
future if we do not take dramatic action to decrease emissions from
coal, oil, and natural gas--and some discussion of the options for
reducing emissions.
How can this new knowledge be applied: Changing
climate will require that we act early to prepare for the coming
changes to the environment, and understanding the prospective
emissions reductions that will be required will provide insight into
what is likely to be, as former President Clinton said, the driving
force for economic transformation through much of the 21st century.
Michael MacCracken, chief scientist, Climate Change Program,
Washington, D.C.
key words: global warming, climate
issue areas: Resources and Environment, Technology and
Science
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The Front Lines of Sustainability
There are many views on how human society can learn to live sustainably, but
all involve difficult processes and transformation of scientific, economic and
cultural systems. Blending science, law, human nature and esoteric beliefs, four
brothers bring forth an eclectic mix of juxtaposed viewpoints aimed at
stimulating inquiry, debate and integrated approaches to our global future.
Observe and participate in this unique program, as four stakeholders from
divergent professions and perspectives open up possibilities so commonplace you
may not even have imagined them.
Who should attend: Anyone who is seeking answers to why clean energy is an
economic imperative for free societies; what keeps humans from behaving
sustainably; and what individuals can do to promote their own, as well as
global, sustainable health.
What you’ll learn: Every element of society, including business, culture,
individual health attitudes and biological awareness, can positively impact our
planet.
How can this new knowledge be applied: Realistic expectations allow the
creation of systems that encourage us to behave in rational and sustainable
ways, honoring checks and balances on environmental and individual impacts.
Business models cannot focus exclusively on profit because clean air, water and
healthy global ecosystems are required for life. Similarly, managing human
impacts on Earth without economic and technological support is impossible with a
growing population. By protecting our natural world, we can improve individual
decision making and economic profitability (Pollution Prevention Pays).
Brian H. Davis, president, Environmental Advantage Law, LLPC, Web site, www.environmentaladvantagelaw.com, St. Paul, Minnesota
Earon S. Davis, policy analyst, author, Evanston, Illinois, Web site, www.earondavis.com
Geary M. Davis, co-founder, Lotus of the Moon Acupuncture, Arlington
Heights, Illinois, Web site, www.gearydavis.com
Wayne S. Davis, senior environmental scientist, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Environmental Science Center, Fort Meade, Maryland. Web site,
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators
keywords: environment, sustainability, health, business, culture,
spirituality
issue areas: Resource and Environment, Values and Spirituality, Social
and Cultural Trend
Future Energy and the Environment
Industrial society has been built on a foundation of
abundant and inexpensive energy. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas
have supported standards of living and mobility that are truly fantastic by
historical standards. The Oil Age, however, may be entering its second phase, as
global oil production could well peak in the next few years. What is more,
fossil fuels have contributed to a 50% increase in carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere and a consequent warming of the planet. All of these indicators point
to a fundamental shift in how society is organized as a function of the energy
it has available and the efficiency with which it uses that energy.
Who should attend: Anyone
interested in the role of energy in modern society and its effect on global
climate change, particularly individuals from the energy and environmental
industries or those who teach, write or speak about energy.
What you’ll learn: Individuals attending this session will learn how
societies throughout history have been shaped by their energy sources, how
modern society is a function of its access to inexpensive, high density energy,
how the sources of energy could plausibly change in the future, and how changes
in machines and lifestyle are necessary should we not develop equally abundant
energy sources in the future.
How can this new knowledge be applied: Individuals attending this session
can use their learning in making individual energy choices in the future and in
participating in collective choices about energy in their communities as well as
the nation and the world as a whole
Peter Bishop, associate
professor of human sciences; chair, Studies of the Future graduate program,
University of Houston, Houston, Texas.
Aron Branam,
Futures Studies, Austin, Texas
Terry Collins, Sydney, Australia
Chris Fair, president, Renonance Consultancy, Ltd, New York, New
York
Pam McConathy, senior vice president, Pierpont Communications,
Houston Texas
Rachel Tubman, student, Futures Studies University of Houston,
Houston, Texas
key words: fossil fuels, oil
issue area: Resources and Environment
Progress in Future Energy
Technologies
With the decline in climate quality
and fossil fuel usage in the twenty-first century, the discovery and
development of fuel-free energy sources is mandatory for humanity’s survival.
Unconventional energy technologies are emerging that offer hope. Beyond biofuels,
wind, and hydrogen, researchers are developing energy and propulsion discoveries
into viable and portable devices.
Who should attend:
Those with an interest and responsibility for energy trends, either in
organizations or as consultants.
What you’ll learn: Attendees will become familiar with the most promising
emerging energy technologies, understand the impact of these new inventions, and
go away with more reassurance about future energy generation.
How can this new knowledge be applied: Participants will leave with
increased knowledge of future energy trends and the knowledge that they can create the future by
possibly shifting investment strategies, advising management of their findings,
and planning for a different an more robust energy future.
Thomas Valone,
president and founder, Integrity Research Institute, formerly, research
director, Scott Aviation-ATO, Inc., Beltsville, Maryland
key words:
energy, technology
issue areas: Resources and Environment, Technology and Science
Beyond Green: How to Create Healthy and Sustainable Environments in Business
and at Home
Green practices have to go beyond their current state. We will
take an in-depth look at several areas in sustainable development. In this
session we will discuss what shifts need to occur so people’s thinking and
behavior change to insure healthier and more sustainable work and home
environments. The future of green building means going far beyond what is today
called "green" building. Green building must quickly evolve into regenerative
development and must result in the creation of architecture that fosters
sustainability. This includes the transformation or our best existing building
stock into net zero fossil fuel energy usage buildings. All new buildings need
to be created with and powered by renewable energy sources. We must wholly
adopt design principles that mimic nature’s processes and that don’t allow
toxic waste generation at any point. We will look at methods of getting green
products and services in the marketplace. Ultimately, we must strive for a
culture shift that fosters the development of sustainable practices to create
healthy work and home environments for the purpose of spiritual fulfillment, and
a socially just human presence on this planet.
Who should attend: Businesspeople, organizational managers, architects,
builders, educators, anyone interested in sustainable development and the green
movement.
What you’ll learn: Going beyond green in design and building practices
towards sustainable long-term development, getting green products and services
available to the general public, future trends in green credits, shifts in
values and culture for sustainable development to take root in our
organizations, how our designs impact health.
How can this new knowledge be applied: Participants can take away
practical ideas in architecture and building practices, ideas on how to get
green products and services funded and available to general public, innovative
management models that can be applied immediately at work.
Evangeline Caridas, president, Caridas Consulting
International, Houston, Texas
LaVerne Williams, CEO, Environment Associates, Houston,
Texas
Jamie Wright, CEO, The Wright Touch, Houston, Texas
key words:
environment, trends, culture shift, business
issue areas: Resource and Environment, Health and Wellness Futures,
Values and Spirituality
Open Innovation in Brazil: A Case
Study in Science-Based Strategic Visioning
This case study presentation will report on a project with
the Center for Strategic Management Studies in Brazil. The study was based on a
Virtual Think Tank developed to explore the future of the advanced materials
sector of the Brazilian economy. It is a multi-phased effort to facilitate a
brain trust of visionary leaders from industry and government that will develop
innovative ideas, strategies, and programs to positively impact the future of
the advanced material industry in Brazil. We will present an overview of a
scientific and technologically advanced approach to collaborative innovation
that is multi-dimensional, structured and disciplined.
Who should attend:
academics, executives, community leaders, and entrepreneurs that need to develop
new skills in collaborative innovation processes.
What you’ll learn:
Attendees will learn about the think tank and dynamic
knowledge convergence processes involved in this open innovation project.
How can this new knowledge be applied: The methodology will allow
attendees to develop applications in their organization for think tanks,
technology commercialization, product development, futurist visioning, and
strategic planning
Howard Rasheed, founder,
Institute for Innovation; associate professor, Business Department, University
of North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina
Marcio de M. Santos, executive director, The Center for Strategic
Studies, Brasilia, Brazil
key words: innovation;
global futures, knowledge, trends
issue areas: Resources and Environment, Technology and Science, Futures
Methodologies
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Special Event
Future[s] of Energetics
This presentation explores emerging global energy
problems such as the demise of cheap oil and the advent of atmospheric
warming and how these situations relate to the second law of thermodynamics.
We will discuss overviews of emerging energy solutions such as halophytes
for biofuels, brackish/seawater irrigation, solar energy capture and
storage, the processing of atmospheric CO2 into CO, high efficiency
thermo-electrics ,
and "wild
cards" such as LENRs and long-term positron
storage. We’ll also look at evolving opportunities in energy storage and
conservation and mega-engineering approaches to mitigating global warming.
The presentation will suggest "Ways Forward" including a look at four energy
sources that could quickly and cheaply replace fossil carbon fuels.
Who should attend:
Citizens of the planet concerned about the increasingly apparent and
devastating impacts of anthropogenic climate change. Those curious
concerning the spectrum of potential technical ways
forward.
What you’ll learn: Attendees will learn about the "Frontiers of the
Responsibly Imaginable" regarding the near[er] and far[ther] term technical
opportunities in energy generation, storage, transmission and conservation.
How can this new
knowledge
be applied: This new knowledge will indicate
those approaches that have the capacity to replace fossil carbon fuels and
provide an indication of pragmatic investment directions. We will also
cover the emerging energy-related "wild cards."
Dennis M. Bushnell,
chief scientist, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
key words: energy
storage, biofuels, conservation
issue areas: Resources and Environment, Technology and Science
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EVENING KEYNOTE
Government Gets Serious About Clean Energy
Environmental, economic, and social forces are driving an
urgent quest for clean energy solutions. Global energy demand is expected to
increase by nearly 50% over the next 15 years. A rapidly growing developing
world has raised fears about pollution, and there is growing concern about
global climate change and pressure on the United States to do something about
it. While the president warns we’re addicted to oil, the vital Middle East oil
supply is increasingly unstable. Consumers are more worried than ever before
about clean air, clean water, global warming, soaring fuel prices, and energy
security.
Under pressure, Washington is getting serious about clean
energy and the policy landscape has changed dramatically. Driven by
comprehensive energy legislation and presidential energy initiatives, billions
of dollars for developing and deploying clean energy solutions are flowing to
universities, state and local governments, and the private sector. The Feds are
supporting a broad range of activities—research and technology development,
purchases of equipment and clean power, market development, the design and
construction of demonstration plants, and workforce training—all aimed at
building a U.S. clean energy industry and infrastructure.
Who should attend: Anyone
interested in the development of renewable energy technologies, as well as those
seeking support for clean energy projects.
What you’ll learn:
Details of key national clean energy initiatives, including the most up-to-date
information on recent major legislation and presidential initiatives. We’ll also
discuss the size of the investments being made and the unprecedented range of
R&D and commercialization activities being supported across the clean energy
fields such as hydrogen, biomass, biofuels, solar, wind, and alternative fuel
vehicles.
How can this new knowledge be applied:
This session will provide policy makers, researchers, technology developers, and
business executives with key information about
policies that could impact their clean energy activities, as well as guidance on
accessing federal R&D and demonstration funds to support development and
deployment of clean energy technologies.
Kelly Carnes, president and
CEO, TechVsion21; former deputy assistant secretary for technology policy, U.S.
Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
key words: government,
global warming, environmental energy
issue area: Resources
and Environment
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Double X Vision: Women’s Work in
Sustainability
GREEN is the new black. Hybrids, alternative energy,
organic farming … environmentally the planet is waking up to the need for a
more sustainable future and it is awesome! True sustainability is more than
greening your life. It is about balancing the environment economic reality
and social equity—the pillars of our lives.
As we move into the future, we go back to principles
that were obvious in our ancestors’ lives and now manifest most prominently
in how women view the world. Connection to the land, empathetic
relationships, self-restraint and balance, deliberateness, inclusiveness,
nonviolent conflict resolution, expressiveness, generosity, egalitarianism,
playfulness, and openness to spirit are values and ways of a sustainable
life that have worked in past and can work again. We are all just going back
to our future. Join a diverse panel of women who are changing the world
using skills that all of us know but few practice in our daily lives.
Who should attend:
People interested in how women working in various parts of the world are
changing lives through work in environmental, equity and economic programs
and the inherent skills they rely on to effect these changes.
What you’ll learn: Learn what recoverable skills enable a
sustainable life. Learn how these skills are becoming more and more valuable
for the present day and imperative for the future. Learn what
women and their organizations, businesses, and communities are doing around
the world.
How can this new knowledge be applied: Either in your
business, your organization, or your personal life? Learning what others are
doing in their businesses and communities and apply to your organization,
business and community (local or worldwide). Join a network of like-minded
individuals to help effect change in your part of the world.
Lehn Huff, head, Seabury
Hall Middle School, Makawao, Hawaii
Kristen Koeppen, vice president, operations, RegRelief International,
St. Paul, Minnesota
Mariann Zanardo, managing director, environmental futurist, RegRelief
International, St. Paul, Minnesota
key words: environment,
space, demographics, women, sustainability, community
issue areas: Resources and Environment, Governance and Communities,
Business and Careers
Safe Water, Human Health and
Return on Investment
Over one billion people continue to suffer from a lack
of safe drinking water around the developing world, and over 2.6 billion
people lack adequate sanitation facilities. Diseases caused by unsafe water
keep adults from leading productive lives, keep children—especially
girls—from attending school, and are responsible for filling 50% of all
hospital beds in the developing world.
Participants will be brought up to speed on the scale
and scope of the global water challenge and the nature of many innovative
solutions to the problem. Special emphasis will be placed on water’s
relationship to the Millennium Development Goals, the 2005 Senator Paul
Simon Water for the Poor Act, and the positive impact that safe water has
not just for recipients but for families, schools, communities and nations.
Case studies will highlight microfinance, Indian toilets and rainwater
harvesting.
Who should attend:
Business, political and community leaders from all fields interested in
solutions to the challenge of over one billion people lacking safe drinking
water.
What you’ll learn: The nature of the global water, sanitation and
hygiene challenge, and many of the solutions currently under way to tackle
this problem from developing country governments, private foundations,
corporations and multilateral/bilateral assistance.
How can this new knowledge be applied: This knowledge can be taken
back by participants to their own organizations (foundations, companies,
governments, civic and faith groups) and applied to the work of their
organization in the developing world.
John Oldfield, director
of partnership development, Water Advocates, Washington, D.C.
key words: water,
health, children, environment, economics
issue areas: Resources and Environment, Governance and Communities
For more information contact: World Future
Society, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite
450, Bethesda, Maryland 20814;
Tel: 1-800-989-8274 or 1-301-656-8274; Fax: 1-301-951-0394;
Web Site:
www.wfs.org; E-mail:
sechard@wfs.org. |