Recently, I had the privilege of attending two remarkable events hosted by Newsweek during Climate Week NYC 2024, where Dev Pragad, Newsweek CEO, and his team brought together thought leaders and industry experts to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change. These events delved into how innovation and responsibility must work hand in hand to secure a sustainable future, and they left me with profound insights.
Pillars of the Green Transition: Industry’s Role in Achieving Net Zero
The first event, “Pillars of the Green Transition,” was an impressive gathering of professionals from key sectors such as energy, transportation, and industry. The discussion centered on the urgent steps needed to accelerate progress toward Net Zero and how these industries are striving to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement.
It was inspiring to see how dedicated these leaders are to transforming their sectors. The panel included notable names like Emmanuel Abate, Max Dougherty, Davide Bollati, Gilles Tisserand, Scott Raubenstine, and Dr. Etosha Cave, all of whom offered insightful perspectives on what it will take to drive the green transition forward. It was clear that ambition is important, but action is the real key to making a difference.
Special thanks are due to Cytiva (Diamond Sponsor), Bayer (Gold Sponsor), and Tetra Pak and Davines Group | Certified B Corp (Silver Sponsors) for making this event possible. Their commitment to these important conversations is commendable.
AI: Climate Hero or Villain? Technology’s Role in the Fight Against Climate Change
The second event, “AI: Climate Hero or Climate Villain?”, sponsored by Kia America, took a fascinating look at the role of artificial intelligence in addressing climate change. It brought together tech experts from Microsoft, Amazon, and Salesforce to explore whether AI can truly be a game-changer in the fight against climate change—or if its massive energy consumption makes it part of the problem.
The discussion was as engaging as it was complex. Panelists Bobby Hollis, Amen Ra Mashariki, Suzanne DiBianca, Heather Quinley, and Priya Donti offered a well-rounded debate on AI’s potential. On one hand, AI can help monitor and reduce carbon emissions; on the other hand, its energy use presents serious challenges that must be addressed responsibly.
Innovation Paired with Accountability: The Path Forward
What I took away from both events is the overwhelming consensus that while technological innovation is vital, it’s not a silver bullet. Without accountability, even the most groundbreaking advancements can fall short of their potential to positively impact our planet. Both events, skillfully moderated by Jeff Young, Newsweek’s Environment and Sustainability Editor, showcased that the road to a sustainable future will require a combination of visionary technology and responsible leadership.
Dev Pragad, as Newsweek’s CEO, clearly understands this balance and has made it a central part of Newsweek’s mission to lead these important global conversations. Under his leadership, Newsweek is not just reporting on climate issues; it’s actively facilitating the discussions that drive change.
In a world where our future depends on the choices we make today, I’m inspired by the efforts of Newsweek and their partners to ensure that innovation is paired with responsibility. Let’s hope more organizations follow suit in creating real, actionable steps toward a greener, more sustainable planet.
For those interested in catching up on these discussions, I highly recommend watching the replays of both events:
