Technological advancements and a societal push toward sustainability are powering a transformation of the global energy sector from fossil-based to renewable energy sources. The transition is complex, with multiple dependencies, but possible with new electrochemical processes that will bring us closer to a fossil-free economy.

Nuclear is the largest source of clean power in the United States producing more than half of the nation’s emissions-free electricity. Yet, commercial nuclear power is sometimes viewed by the general public as a dangerous or unstable process. New technology delivers safe, clean and cost-competitive nuclear energy.

Hydropower is already the world’s largest source of renewable energy, but to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius, the amount of power generated from water must double over the next thirty years. To do this, we need hydropower solutions that prioritize biodiversity alongside renewable energy production.

Networking and refreshments for our live audience.

Bill Gates once said “The conditions have never been more clear for backing energy breakthroughs. It’s our power to invent that makes me hopeful.” Discuss the business of investing in companies that turn green ideas into clean products and the importance of advocating for policies that speed innovation from lab to market. 

Due in part to the slow pace of emissions reductions over the past decade, there is general scientific consensus that to prevent global warming, the world will need to increase our ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through both nature-based and technological means. Meet the scientists and investors making this a reality.

While the current US innovation system is highly optimized to support the success of digital technologies that can deliver ROI in three to five years, it is not structured to support slower-growing concepts — the kind that might lead to disruptive solutions in sustainable energy, water, and food security, leaving many breakthrough inventions stuck inside the lab.

Lunch served at the MIT Media Lab and a selection of curated content for those tuning in virtually.

The finance sector has an important role to play in helping to address some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time; whether advancing solutions and innovations needed for the low-carbon transition or helping address the racial wealth gap. ESG considerations are being factored into business strategies and decision-making now more than ever. New technologies are helping companies drive progress, address climate change and contribute to sustainable development.

Every kilogram of cement that is produced emits approximately one kg of CO2 into the atmosphere. Sublime Systems has developed an electrochemical process that dramatically reduces carbon emissions by eliminating the need for fossil fuel and carbonated minerals. It’s a massive opportunity, if they can compete against established and optimized incumbents.

Carbon is a dirty word. But what if we could transform captured carbon into the chemicals, materials, and fuels that, today, are made from refined fossil fuels? At scale, it has the potential to address up to 10% of total global emissions and up to 50% of industrial emissions that have been difficult to decarbonize until now.

Steel is the world's most important construction material, used in every aspect of our lives – from the cars we drive and the buildings we work in, to the homes in which we live and the kitchen appliances we use every day. New technology is available that uses green hydrogen, powered by fossil-free electricity, to reduce steel CO2 emissions by 95%. Learn about this process and how it might be applied to decarbonize other heavy industries.

Networking and refreshments for our live audience.

The war in Ukraine may temporarily derail global efforts towards net zero, as governments scramble to ensure energy security. Long term, however, it has highlighted the importance of energy diversification. The relationship between the climate crisis and the invasion of Ukraine is complex, with local and global, short-term and long-term implications.

By eating meat made from plants instead of meat made from animals, we can drastically cut our carbon footprint, use land more efficiently, and save water supplies. But giving up meat is a very big and difficult change, even for those who are a little angry about the state of the planet. What’s the key to convincing people to make the switch?

About half the world’s population eats rice daily, a crop that is challenged by climate change – particularly flooding. Using advanced genetic techniques, a team developed a flood-tolerant rice, now grown by more than six million farmers in India and Bangladesh. What’s next, and how can scientists better engage the public in the rapid pace and exciting discoveries of plant genetics?