Abstract

Current science tells us that we must act now in order to prevent the worst impacts of global warming. The international community, mean- while, is meeting this December in Copenhagen to negotiate a new climate regime. Is the United States moving fast enough to meet these deadlines? Will we pass a clean energy and climate law in time to emerge as a leader at the international talks? Frances Beinecke will answer these questions, and discuss the political outlook for passing a climate law this fall. She will also talk about the role MIT students can play in developing clean energy technologies, including super-efficient electronics, hybrid batteries, and carbon capture for coal plants. In the end, reaching climate goals will require not just technical know-how, but civic engagement as well, and Beinecke will talk about how MIT students can get involved.

About the Speaker

Frances Beinecke is the president of the NRDC, one of the United States’ most influential environmental action groups. The NRDC uses law, science, and the support of 1.2 million members and online activists to advance comprehensive solutions to today’s biggest environmental challenges. Under Ms. Beinecke’s leadership, the organization has launched a new strategic campaign that sharply focuses NRDC’s efforts on curbing global warming, moving America beyond oil, reviving the world’s oceans, saving endangered wild places, stemming the tide of toxic chemicals, and accelerating the greening of China. Ms. Beinecke has worked with NRDC for more than 30 years.

This Colloquium took place on October 7, 2009.