David Christian

Abstract:

An Oral Presentation will be made describing the role of Energy Companies as a driving force toward a more sustainable future. Environmentally responsible and sustainable energy production is a grand challenge that must be met and one that is a necessary condition for addressing other grand challenges such as poverty, disease, water, hunger, etc. To date, much of the effort to address climate change and sustainable development has been concentrated in the government policy arena. While government policies and the attendant allocation of resources for research and development in these areas are necessary, they may not be sufficient.
Public corporations have long recognized their responsibilities for what they do for society and for their impacts to society. [Drucker] Corporations are increasingly assuming a role that transcends mere compliance with their respective regulatory and policy frameworks and assuming leadership roles in driving forward to a more sustainable future. This trend's progress can accelerate in curbing societal contributions to climate change drivers such as CO ₂ and CH ₄ emissions.
The presentation will recognize actions of several companies, and will have a sharper focus on Dominion Energy where the author is a CEO and Chief Innovation Officer.