Climate Symposium at Harvard Business School

Round off the day with thought-provoking panels on the intersection of AI and climate action, the future of sustainable food systems, and how consumer products can drive sustainability forward. Join us to close out the symposium with impactful conversations! Late Afternoon Panels (Starting at 1:45 PM): 1. Harnessing AI for Climate Solutions Is artificial intelligence a game-changer for climate solutions, or is its potential being overstated? This panel, featuring Ravi Jain (X, the moonshot factory), Thomas Vandal (Zeus AI), Anne-Marie Schoonbeek (KEY ESG), and Paul Deninger (Material Impact), will explore AI’s capabilities and limitations in the climate sector. Moderated by Larissa Bifano (DLA Piper), this discussion will dive into real-world applications of AI for environmental impact, examining where AI delivers measurable results and where the hype may exceed the reality. 2. Building a Sustainable Food System: Policy, Innovation, and the Future of Food Creating a sustainable food system requires more than innovation—it demands collaboration across sectors. In this panel, Hamed Majidzadeh (Quantis), Katie Stebbins (Tufts University), Irina Gerry (Change Foods), and Molly Breiner (Wellington Management) will discuss the roles of policy, technology, and individual actions in reshaping how we produce and consume food. Moderated by Safiyah Bharwani (Harvard Business School), the panel will assess current innovations, emerging challenges, and what more is needed to create a resilient, sustainable food system for future generations. 3. B2C Sustainability: Driving Sustainability Through Consumer Products & Services Consumer products and services can be powerful drivers for sustainability if scaled effectively. Panelists Nora Bloch (Massachusetts Community Climate Bank), Nika Mosenthal (Hungryroot), and Brittany Sambol (Wildtype), moderated by Rea Savla (ZOR Technologies), will explore strategies for introducing sustainable products to consumers and discuss ways to build lasting connections while scaling for impact. This session offers insights for those aiming to make consumer-facing brands more eco-conscious and influential. Close out Climate Symposium 2024 with these insightful conversations, and leave inspired to drive change in your field! For more info visit https://lnkd.in/dr8VzF5w #ClimateSymposium2024 #AIForClimate #SustainableFood #ConsumerSustainability #Innovation

Our early afternoon panels bring a wealth of insights from diverse industries, focusing on decarbonizing heavy industries, adapting buildings to climate realities, and leveraging lessons from the Global South. Here’s what to look forward to: Early Afternoon Panels (Starting at 12:45 PM): 1. Decarbonizing Heavy Industries Heavy industries like steel, cement, and international energy present some of the toughest challenges for decarbonization. This panel, featuring Raffi Freeman (Sublime Systems), Laureen Meroueh, PhD (Hertha Metals Inc.), and Lynn Rouse (Chevron), will examine transformative innovations to make these sectors more sustainable. Moderated by Jacquelyn Pless (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), the discussion will address technological advancements, regulatory challenges, and the investments required to achieve meaningful reductions in emissions. This conversation is critical for those interested in the future of industrial sustainability. 2. Building Resilience: Learning from the Global South Emerging markets in the Global South are pioneering unique, resilient approaches to climate adaptation that the rest of the world can learn from. This panel features Tiza Mafira (Climate Policy Initiative), Naveen Ahlawat (Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.), and Gabriela Carrasco (Reciprocal), with Brenda Wiputeri (Harvard Business School) as moderator. The discussion will highlight the Global South’s role in climate resilience, exploring innovative models and strategies born from necessity and creativity. Gain insights into how these solutions can inspire global change and build a resilient future. 3. Sustainable Buildings: Adapting to the Future Buildings of the future need to withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change, from water scarcity to energy demands. Panelists Daniel Betts, PhD, MBA (Blue Frontier, Inc.), Henrik Langeland (Enode), DR Richardson (Elephant Energy), and Lucas Turner-Owens (Building Ventures) will discuss groundbreaking solutions in sustainable building technology. Moderated by John Macomber (Harvard Business School), this session will explore how innovations in design, materials, and energy systems can make buildings more resilient and resource-efficient as they adapt to the 'new normal' of environmental challenges. This early afternoon session promises valuable insights for professionals, innovators, and policymakers tackling some of the world’s most complex environmental challenges. For more info visit https://lnkd.in/dr8VzF5w #ClimateSymposium2024 #Decarbonization #SustainableBuildings #GlobalSouth #ClimateResilience

Kick off Climate Symposium 2024 with two exciting panels that set the stage for innovation and sustainability in transportation and nature-based solutions. Morning Panels (Starting at 11:00 AM): 1. Sustainable Supply Chains: Greening Transportation As the world strives to reduce its carbon footprint, the transportation sector plays a crucial role. This panel will explore key building blocks for transforming transportation to make it cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable. Mohammad A. Alkhadra (Lithios), Tomoaki Ichida (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.), and Gene Gebolys (World Energy, LLC) will discuss innovations and challenges in greening transportation infrastructure, fuel efficiency, and technology. Moderated by Brett Atkinson (Harvard Business School), this conversation will address essential shifts in supply chain dynamics that align with global sustainability goals. 2. Restoring Balance: Evaluating the Role of Nature-Based Solutions in the Climate Challenge Nature-based solutions (NBS) offer a promising approach to address climate change through forest restoration, plastic-eating microbes, and other innovations rooted in the natural world. Panelists Rodrigo Wanderley (Pachama), Sukanya Punthambaker, Ph.D. (Breaking.), and Janna Jiang (Rubicon Carbon) will discuss the efficacy, scalability, and economic potential of NBS. Moderated by Malak Abu Sharkh (Lowercarbon Capital), this session explores how natural solutions can reshape markets and reduce emissions, creating a sustainable path forward. For more info visit https://lnkd.in/dr8VzF5w #ClimateSymposium2024 #SustainableFuture #GreeningTransportation #NatureBasedSolutions #ClimateInnovation

🌟 Meet Our Inspiring Keynote Speakers for #ClimateSymposium2024! 🌟 We're excited to spotlight four visionary leaders who will take the stage on November 1st and 2nd to share their insights on the future of climate action. If you haven't already bought your tickets, grab them at: https://lnkd.in/dr8VzF5w Here's a preview of what's to come: 🎙 Tiza Mafira, Director at Climate Policy Initiative, Indonesia 🕖 November 1, 7:00 PM | "Navigating Policy for a Just Climate Transition: Roles, Responsibilities, and Roadmaps" Tiza Mafira is an environmental leader and Director of Climate Policy Initiative Indonesia. Known for her work on climate finance and the circular economy, she co-founded the Indonesia Plastic Bag Diet Movement, leading to plastic bans in over 100 cities. A UN Ocean Hero, Tiza holds law degrees from Harvard and Universitas Indonesia. Her keynote will focus on creating policy and creating financing environments for the Global South, highlighting key responsibilities and roadmaps to enable an equitable climate transition. 🎙 Spencer Glendon, Founder of Probable Futures 🕘 November 2, 9:15 AM | "Climate Reality Check: The State of Our Union" Spencer Glendon founded Probable Futures to make climate science accessible and actionable. Previously a Partner at Wellington Management, he is also a senior fellow at Woodwell Climate and an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School. His keynote will explore how dynamic understanding of climate change can inform better decisions for a resilient future. 🎙 Wendy Woods, Vice Chair of Social Impact, Climate & Sustainability, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 🕙 November 2, 10:00 AM | "Corporate Climate Commitments: Walking the Talk" Wendy Woods is Vice Chair of Social Impact, Climate & Sustainability at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), advising on sustainable finance, global health, and climate strategy. Her work spans diverse regions, helping businesses and governments drive impactful change. Wendy’s keynote will discuss how companies can move from climate pledges to effective actions, emphasizing public-private collaboration and innovation. 🎙 Lubomila Jordanova, Co-Founder & CEO of Plan A 🕞 November 2, 3:45 PM | "Funding Tomorrow’s Climate: Building Conviction in Climate Opportunities" Lubomila Jordanova is the CEO of Plan A, a platform helping businesses cut emissions, and co-founder of the Greentech Alliance. Recognized for her contributions to sustainability, she has a background in finance and venture capital. Her keynote will focus on what it takes to commit to a career in climate and the opportunities that climate has created for business and people. #ClimateSymposium2024 #ClimateAction #Sustainability The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University Harvard Business School HBS Business and Environment Initiative

🌍 The Climate Symposium is Back! 🌍 Join us for the Harvard Business School Climate Symposium 2024 - the most extensive, interactive, and internationally diverse event to date, hosted by the Energy & Environment ⚡, Food & Agriculture 🌽, and Sustainability 🌍 Clubs at HBS. Theme: "Confronting Reality, Celebrating Innovation" We’re addressing the stark realities of the climate crisis while spotlighting the innovative technologies and policies driving sustainable progress. 🎟️ Get your tickets now! https://lnkd.in/gPY2BwYJ 🗓 Event Highlights: - Friday, November 1: Exclusive Networking Reception at The Engine - Saturday, November 2: Full day of programming at Harvard Business School including: 💡 Startup Pitch Competition: Climate-focused startups, this is your moment! Pitch your innovation for a chance to win up to $22,500 in non-dilutive cash prizes, receive feedback from leading industry experts, and network with top climate investors, accelerators, and incubators. 📅 Deadline to apply: October 15, 2024 Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/dZv9EeD2 Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the dialogue driving sustainable progress. We look forward to seeing you this November! #HarvardBusinessSchool #ClimateSymposium #VC #Sustainability #ClimateTech #Innovation #Startup #Entrepreneurship #Networking #CleanTech #GreenTech #ClimateAction #Impact #Boston