"Bridging to a Future of Reduced Climate Risk"

Dr. John Shinn--Senior Staff Advisor, Global Issues,ChevronTexaco--will address the following:

The current world energy system, dominated by fossil fuels, evolved because it is highly effective in providing inexpensive energy for human well-being improvement through development. This evolution occurred before climate-related risk was considered to be an important factor. If we are to successfully "morph" this system into one that integrates more effectively with climate risk, it will be necessary to find the appropriate way to best utilize the existing system while we make this transition rather than, for instance, simply shutting down the current system.

In this presentation, we examine the challenges and opportunities faced in bridging from today's energy system to one with reduced climate risk. We will begin by examining the most likely effective paths for modifying the existing system, and some lessons learned from the attempts of policies to address the present system. We will then look at likely transitions over the next several decades, and the implications these have regarding long-term options for carbon-reduced energy. Finally, we will look at the challenges facing the energy and engineering professions in providing the needed non-traditional skill sets required to build the bridge to a future of reduced climate risk.

**All are welcome to meet Dr. Shinn following the

seminar in the GCEP Conference Room, 555J (upstairs). Refreshments will be served.**