Reflect. Innovate. Re-Create.
Featured Speakers: US Representative Sean Casten (IL-6th), Professor and Chef José Andrés, national climate strategist and advisor Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, and others.
Thursday February 11, 2021
DATE
February 11, 2021
LOCATION
Online
TIME
12:00pm - 6:00pm
who should attend
The GW Sustainability Summit is a unique opportunity to bring together GW students, faculty, alumni, and staff with community leaders, policy experts, change makers, thought leaders, and advocates in the Washington, D.C. area. The event will celebrate the role of the university in addressing sustainability in our nation's capital and beyond, and explore innovative solutions that will further motivate and inspire participants to take action.
full AGENDa
12:00pm Welcome Remarks
Tara Scully, Bob Orttung, Frank Sesno, Saniya LeBlanc & Meghan Chapple
Co-Directors Sustainable GW
12:10pm Keynote Interview with Frank Sesno and US Representative Sean Casten (IL-6th)
The Future of Sustainability: The Role of Policy and Politics
12:30pm Remarks by GW President Thomas J. LeBlanc
12:35pm Panel Discussion: Legacy Emissions
When it comes to carbon, is neutrality enough?
Building on GW’s ESG Task Force bold commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 and to remove all historical emissions, we must address the complex challenge of carbon removal and look at solutions that may not exist today. What role does industry, government and start up technology play in this new frontier.
Remarks: Peter Harrison, GW Trustee
Tamara Toles O’Laughlin, National Climate Strategist and Advisor
Noah Deich, Carbon 180
Meghan Chapple, Moderator, GW Office of Sustainability
1:40pm Panel Discussion: Climate and Community Resilience
In the face of rising global temperatures, communities around the world face changes in weather, infrastructure, health, and ecosystems. Research shows that connections within communities can support resilience in light of these changes. The next generation is looking for solutions. Local and federal governments, as well as corporations and anchor institutions like universities have a significant role to play.
Andrew Salkin, Resilient Cities Catalyst
Wendy Ellis, School of Public Health
Khadija Khokhar, GW 2023 Intl Affairs & Zero Hour DC
Stephanie Rico, Wells Fargo
Bob Orttung, Moderator, School of International Affairs
2:45pm Remarks by Provost Brian Blake
GW Dean’s Discussion
Sustainability and climate change require cross-disciplinary solutions. How are academics working within their areas of expertise and across disciplines to address the issues? Our University’s Deans will gather to highlight their schools’ research, practice and teaching to solve our greatest challenges.
Lynn Goldman, Milken Institute School of Public Health
John Lach, School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
Dayna Matthew, School of Law
Saniya LeBlanc, Moderator, School of Engineering
4:00pm Panel Discussion: Energy Innovation
How is renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean energy critical to recovery?
Powering the planet is essential to our future, yet youth are voicing their concerns about pollution and climate change. Renewable energy contributes a cleaner approach to the energy mix. Policymakers, industry, and university leaders are finding innovative ways to encourage cleaner energy purchasing.
Miranda Ballentine, REBA
Daron Coates, Thinkbox
Katherine Neebe, Duke Energy
Gary Farha, Customer First Renewables
John Forrer, Moderator, School of Business
4:45pm Closing Remarks
Interview with Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen
5:15pm Networking for Good
Miranda Ballentine, REBA
R. Denise Everson, Thinkbox
Tara Scully, Director of GW Minor in Sustainability
Anna Hartge, GW Career Coach