SYMPOSIUM
INFORMATION

Symposium Intent

The University of Idaho is launching the President's Sustainability Symposium, an annual event under the general theme of 'Sustaining Land, Water and Air: The New Economic and Moral Imperative.' The goal is to utilize an intimate symposium setting to provide leaders in all societal sectors a venue in which to identify, discuss and understand problems and issues of sustainability and to prepare them to adapt successfully by seizing opportunities. The 2007 inaugural Symposium will address the significant issue of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, carbon and climate change, and the role of government, business, non-profit, and higher education partnerships in solutions to emissions problems. Idaho Governor C. L. "Butch" Otter and University of Idaho President Timothy P. White will co-host the event.

Dr. Michael C. MacCracken, Chief Scientist for Climate Change Programs, Climate Institute, will provide a keynote presentation on the science of carbon, GHG emissions and climate change, setting the stage for consideration of potential constructive actions. A second keynote speaker, Richard Sandor, Chairman and CEO, Chicago and California Climate Exchanges, will address the potential for market-based solutions to the problems created by GHG emissions. Speakers from industry, non-profit organizations, U.S. National Energy Labs and academia will address practicalities of alternative fuels, monitoring and verification of sequestration regimes, science and technology solutions in the wings, and the roles of utilities and high-energy demand industries in climate solutions.

Symposium Audience

The invited Symposium audience is comprised of leadership from the utility, manufacturing and tourism industries, local and state-elected officials, non-profit organizations, academia, and state and federal agencies. University of Idaho faculty, staff and students are involved in planning both the Symposium on October 1st and the University Strategic Planning Roundtable Discussions on October 2. A report on university strategic actions resulting from the 2007 Symposium will be made available at the 2008 Symposium, where participants will focus on "Sustainability of Our Water Resources in an Era of Marked Climate Change" and include uses, availability, management and regulation.