Climate Challenges is the third 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 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.
Climate Challenges:
Systems Thinking and Values-based Leadership
April 14,15 & 16 2021 | 9am to 11:30am | Online over three mornings
Moderated by experts in systems sciences, values-based leadership, climate change, and policy formation.
Neil Jacobstein - Director Aspen Institute NZ, Aspen Crown Fellow, Chair AI Robotics Singularity University and MediaX Distinguished Scholar Stanford University, 6 years on the US National Academy of Sciences Division of Earth and Life Studies Committee, and decades of environmental systems consulting.
Associate Professor Sara Walton - Associate Professor University of Otago Business School with extensive expertise in business and environmental innovation, sustainability, transitions and stakeholder conflicts.
Professor Tim Naish - Professor in Earth Sciences, Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington. His research focuses on past, present and future climate with specific emphasis on how the Antarctic ice sheets respond to climate change.
Online over three 2.5 hour morning sessions:
Day 1: Climate Change Values and Systems Dynamics - What are the climate change values tradeoffs being considered in New Zealand today? Whose interests are most affected over time? What are the problems with humans understanding the risks of climate change? How can system dynamics clarify our thinking about heat sources, sinks, and flows? What is the linkage between climate change trade-offs and values based leadership?
Day 2: The Science of Climate Change - What are facts surrounding climate change? What do we actually know? What don't we know? What are the uncertainties? What are the frequently asked questions? What are the tradeoffs associated with recommendations of the New Zealand Climate Change Commission?
Day 3: Climate Change Policy Trade-offs - What are the optimal strategies for climate change intervention, and how successful are they likely to be? Avoidance strategies. Mitigation strategies. Opportunities for New Zealand to lead in innovative green products and services.
This seminar is available on a fee ( $500+GST) and scholarship basis by application.
Note: The IoD invites its members to log attendance at Aspen Institute seminars for consideration of CPD (continuing professional development) points. The allocation of points is based on activity with a focus on improving core governance competencies and knowledge.