Most global energy outlooks project growing energy demand in part because of rising standards of living in the developing world and increasing demand in industrialized nations. A sustainable energy system would arguably optimize energy output in the most efficient configuration possible, avoid negative impacts across all communities, and decrease the undesirable environmental effects of using energy.

The moderator and panelists will address these questions and more:

• How should energy producers, government, and society ensure that energy systems are sustainable?
• How can we develop systems that meet societies’ needs for affordability, reliability, and environmental stewardship while minimizing community impacts and other issues?

Changing interdependent systems at scale is challenging. Regardless of the path forward, the energy system will continue to rely on Earth's resources.

This session will include brief presentations with discussion and audience interaction, addressing the question, "Why is a systems approach to energy  required?" 

Reducing GHG emissions is a problem that requires serious solutions. More than 40% of the energy produced today in the US is natural gas, but producing and delivering natural gas also emits about 8% of the country’s GHG emissions. A new report shows the potential to eliminate more than half of the GHG emissions in the natural gas supply chain.

A panel of experts will discuss this subject, through brief presentations and audience interaction.

A panel of 4 young professionals with 3-8 years of experience will represent the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals in interdisciplinary energy disciplines, discussing the:

• United States' STEM deficit.
• path forward in energy.
• key questions needed to drive toward framing solutions.