Abstract: "Throughout human history, multiple industrial and agricultural revolutions have profoundly transformed the world. However, the unintended consequence of these revolutions is that the greenhouse gas emissions are changing Earth’s climate. Most of our energy sources and many of the materials we use are based on fossil-fuel. The challenges of how to provide clean energy, water, air, and food in a world of over 8 billion people and likely to grow to 11 billion by 2100 are formidable. After a brief summary of our current trajectory, I will discuss the current progress, opportunities and challenges needed to achieve net-zero greenhouse emissions."
Steven Chu is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Physics, of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and of Energy Science and Engineering at Stanford University. From January 2009 to April 2013, Dr. Chu served as U.S. Secretary of Energy under President Barack Obama. During his tenure, he began several initiatives, including ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy), the Energy Innovation Hubs, and the Clean Energy Ministerial meetings. As the first scientist Cabinet member, Chu recruited dozens of outstanding scientists and engineers to the Department of Energy, and was personally tasked by President Obama to help stop the BP oil leak.
Learn more about the talk and speaker on the Beckman website. A reception will follow the lecture. We hope to see you there!
