Discussion // The Future of Water, Food, and Energy

The demand for clean water, food, and energy is expected to rise sharply as the global population expands toward 10 billion by 2050, while at the same time standards of living are increasing for much of the world. Meeting that demand will be difficult enough in itself, but the challenge is even greater in the context of global climate change and the pressing need to reduce the environmental impacts of human activities. The event is an evening with three experts who have studied the past, present, and future of these basic human needs. Peter Gleick of the Pacific Institute will share his thoughts on the evolving technologies that could be vital to providing water to a growing global population. Jonathan Foley, Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences will outline the size of the food challenge and the new approaches and technologies that are needed to sustainably meet demand. Saul Griffith, CEO of Otherlab, will share his recent work on mapping energy flows in the U.S. economy and how those might shift to address a host of issues including climate change. This event is part of the National Academies study on Grand Challenges and Opportunities in Environmental Engineering and Science. The talks will be followed by a Q&A with the committee that is authoring the study. The event is free and open to the public and will also be webcast. A video recording will be posted to the study website within a week of the event.

Where and when

California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
United States 5 Sept 2017

Organiser

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide expert advice on some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation and the world. Our work helps shape sound policies, inform public opinion, and advance the pursuit of science, engineering, and medicine.

More information

Event website (incl. registration)