Energy Challenges is the first seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems Thinking and Values based Leadership Series. This seminar series provides a framework for thinking about complex issues, using a non-partisan, values based approach. We will host a diverse range of participants from business, education, government and industry. Absolutely no technical background is necessary to participate - just the ability to read, listen, and think critically.
The format for these seminars is a set of thoughtfully moderated discussions, based on a short set of readings to provide a common grounding for the dialogue. The moderators are experienced in their topics, and in facilitating a dynamic discussion with a diverse group of engaged participants. Conversations are informal, well grounded, and coherent. There is no need for agreement on a right answer or outcome - only the commitment to be civil and thoughtful. Aspen’s approach is through Socratic dialogue where the focus is on what the participants think. The one universal comment we receive is that everyone learns something new and truly useful.
Moderated by experts in systems sciences, sustainable energy and policy formation:
Neil Jacobstein - Director of Aspen Institute New Zealand, Aspen Crown Fellow, Chair AI and Robotics Track Singularity University and Distinguished Scholar Stanford’s MediaX program.
Dr Ben Irons - Co-founder and Director of Habitat Energy and former energy and sustainability consultant at McKinsey & Company.
Sir Maarten Wevers - Director of Aspen Institute New Zealand, former Chief Executive of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ambassador to Japan and High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.
Online over three 2.5 hour sessions from 1pm to 3:30pm daily:
Day 1 Framework for systems and values: elements of systems thinking, values based leadership, how systems representations can clarify our thinking about sources, sinks, and flows of energy, exploring the linkage to trade-offs and values based leadership.
Day 2 Energy challenges: how do we measure energy? How much energy does our planet consume, and where does it come from? Where does New Zealand’s electricity come from, and how might that change in future given technological progress and other factors?
Day 3 Real world energy policy decisions in business and in government: what are the trade-offs between low cost and environmental protection? How can we balance climate change and shorter term concerns? What is the place for energy entrepreneurship amid global competition?
This seminar is available on a fee and scholarship basis by application.
(FULL - applications subject to wait list)