Presenter: Gerald Johnson

Gerald Johnson, to discuss General Motors' forward-looking initiatives, the accomplishments of the Zero Factory, and GM’s plans to make an impact on the planet’s climate from their platform in the auto industry.

GM Panel to follow conversation with Gerald Johnson.

Climate change is the biggest threat to humankind today. Reversing global warming and increased instances of extreme weather is a task that many HBCUs are working towards finding workable solutions. Colleges and universities, by definition, are obviously forward-thinking institutions. As such, part of their responsibility to future generations is to address the challenges of a changing world. There is no larger challenge than to preserve the planet for today and for future generations. Tackling climate change on college campuses is complex, complicated, and challenging, and will not be solved overnight. Universities should be concentrating on developing a range of measures, such as developing innovative programs that positively affect the environment, researching recent technology, collaborating with world governments, and fostering student activism. Join our expert panel as they discuss what HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) colleges and universities are doing to is to bring together HBCU faculty and students, and researchers, to bridge the gap between theory and the experiential realities of climate change. The session will help raise awareness about the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities and to highlight the advancements of HBCUs on issues related to adaptation, environmental and climate justice policies. 

At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:  

• Show the effects of climate change on HBCUs and marginalized communities
• Examine HBCU programs that are influencing and enhancing our understanding of climate change.
• Explore potential short and long-term remedies for climate change. 
• Investigate potential research partnerships to aid in the advancement of climate change solutions.

Learning Objective: Attendees will explore new government-agency programs that will affect climate change

The White House has delivered on the promise to drive positive changes on the climate landscape and brought a new sense of urgency to climate change. In its first 100 days, the administration has rejoined the Paris climate agreement, elevated climate change to a national security priority, re-chartered a Presidents’ Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and directed all departments to curb greenhouse-gas emissions. Government agencies have a wonderful opportunity to approach climate issues with fresh perspectives and fresh solutions. As agency leaders look to act, a multidimensional perspective on the climate problem can identify new lessons about how to bring about change.   

At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:  

• Understand how sustainability has evolved into a core business function that is central to any agency’s success.  
• Explore methods for integrating climate governance both inside and outside of government agencies.  
• Examine fresh perspectives and more innovative approaches to handling climate change.  
• Discover governmental programs that will reduce climate risks and fix the ecosystem.