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Building Tomorrow: Innovating with Tech and Investment for a Sustainable Legacy

SpeakerS:

Barbara Humpton, President & CEO, Siemens USA
Hooman Shahidi, Co-founder & CEO, EVPassport
Jay Collins, Vice Chairman of Banking, Capital Markets, & Advisory, Citi
Stephanie Murphy, Board Chair & President, Center Aisle Coalition

With Lead Programming Sponsor

“What we found from this poll was that while climate change was in the top 10 issues that people cared about, it was down towards the bottom third of that. At the top of that list was issues around cost of living, government spending, jobs in the economy. But we all know on this stage that climate tech, a green economy, is integrally a part of those key concerns for voters.” Stephanie Murphy
“A journey of a thousand steps begins with the first one, and we're doing everything we can to empower and enable communities across North America and ultimately the world to take on EV adoption.” Hooman Shahidi
“What we found from this poll was that while climate change was in the top 10 issues that people cared about, it was down towards the bottom third of that. At the top of that list was issues around cost of living, government spending, jobs in the economy. But we all know on this stage that climate tech, a green economy, is integrally a part of those key concerns for voters.” Stephanie Murphy
“When you have three and a half trillion dollars of private sector money moving towards climate tech and the green economy, and one of the biggest, most amazing governments in the world—the U.S. government—stepping in with a real bill with three legs—IRA, CHIPS and Science, and Infrastructure—the mixture of that kind of layer cake is what's needed.” Jay Collins

Key takeaways:

  • Patience for sustainable infrastructure: Transitioning to renewable energy is complex and requires long-term planning; reaching 90% renewable electricity by 2050 demands persistent effort and patience due to infrastructure challenges
  • Reskilling the workforce is critical: Companies like Siemens are investing in reskilling to prepare workers for advanced manufacturing, ensuring inclusive technological progress and cost-effective workforce adaptation. 
  • Purpose and tech drive impact: The convergence of purpose and technology is driving a historic digital transformation in infrastructure, merging sustainability with capitalist opportunities for real impact. 
  • The United States as a global innovation leader: The U.S. has the potential to be an innovation engine for clean technology for global benefit, supporting countries with fewer resources to meet environmental goals. 
  • Global collaboration over protectionism: Balancing policies like the Inflation Reduction Act with international cooperation is essential to support global green goals without straining alliances. 

Action items:

  • Invest in workforce reskilling: Encourage organizations to invest in reskilling programs that prepare employees for technological advancements in the industry, ensuring a smooth transition and inclusive growth. 
  • Promote patience and long-term green investment e: Acknowledge the complexity of infrastructure projects and advocate for sustained investment and patience in developing renewable energy sources and related technologies. 
  • Promote collaborative policies:Engage with policymakers to promote legislation that fosters international cooperation in green technology development, avoiding protectionist measures that could impede global progress. 
  • Leverage tech for sustainable impact: Explore opportunities where purpose and technology intersect to create business models that are profitable while also contributing to environmental sustainability. 
  • Foster global-focused innovation: Support initiatives that position the U.S. as an innovation leader developing clean technologies for global application, aiding countries that lack substantial innovation infrastructures.