"Energy promotes human welfare, but our primary sources are also the principal source of human greenhouse gas emissions, which cause global warming. The tension between energy demands and climate change presents the Dual Challenge. This is a global problem of enormous scale and complexity, and addressing it will require us to balance competing priorities.”– OpenMinds
Affordable, reliable energy is key to human flourishing, but emissions from our current energy systems are increasing global temperatures. Implementing affordable, reliable energy with fewer emissions needs to happen fast – within the next 10 years – to stop contributing to the climate crisis. An essential component of meeting this challenge is identifying and mobilizing impactful solutions.
This year's Business as a Force for Good Annual Ethics Symposium introduces the work of OpenMinds, a non-partisan, data-driven network of 100+ energy and climate experts spanning diverse industries, nonprofits, academia, and philanthropy. OpenMinds drives conversations and impact projects to meet the challenge of increasing energy demands while reducing emissions.
Join us Monday, Oct. 27 from 3:30 – 6 p.m. in St. Robert’s Auditorium to learn more about the work of OpenMinds and participate in working sessions that will examine these critical questions:
- What are the most important elements of meeting future global energy demand?
- What are the most important elements of addressing future climate change?
- If you were putting together your own organization to address the Dual Energy & Climate Challenge, what would your strategy be?
- What metrics would you use to define success (for energy and climate)?
A reception will follow.
*Co-sponsored by Alpha Kappa Psi
Speakers
Robert Flexon
Robert C. Flexon has extensive experience in Energy and Power Generation and Energy Marketing and currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of UGI Corporation, a Natural Gas Utility, Midstream and Propane distribution company. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Capstone Green Energy, Dynegy, and Foster Wheeler. Additionally, he has also served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Office of NRG Energy.
Mr. Flexon also has extensive Board of Directorships and currently chairs the boards of Capstone Green Energy and Nexus, a privately held water utility, in addition to the directorship responsibilities he holds at UGI Corporation. Past directorships include Chair of Pacific Gas and Electric from 2020 to 2024, and ERCOT, which manages the Texas electric grid.
Mr. Flexon is a member of the non-profit organization OpenMinds, working to solve the dual challenge of more energy and less emissions. He is a Certified Public Accountant (non-practicing) and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Villanova University.
Mara Abbott
Mara Abbott is the Chief of Staff at OpenMinds. Previously, she was the senior manager of the oil and gas team at Ceres, working with investors and companies to address the risks and opportunities associated with the energy future.
Mara is also an award-winning journalist. Her writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today, among other publications. In her most recent reporting position, she covered the energy industry, natural resources, wildlife, and policy from her home in northeastern Wyoming.
A former professional road cyclist, Mara is a U.S. Olympian, a multi-time elite national champion, and a two-time winner of the women’s Giro d’Italia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from Whitman College.