Climate action and Environmental Social Governance has been rapidly formalized in European and California state policy. It also has recently been formalized by the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission. What ESG expectations are becoming routine, new, or still evolving? How might ESG alter your company's interactions with its current and future investors, your reporting structures, your responses to liability and risk, and most importantly, you future design, characterization, and supply chains for your products and services?
Speakers will discuss initiatives aimed at harnessing the power of nature to combat a changing climate and foster sustainable development. First, Heather Slayton, Tennessee State Forester, will share the Tennessee Forest Action Plan, a blueprint for forest management and conservation in the Volunteer State. The Tennessee Forest Action Plan addresses key objectives to maintain and strengthen Tennessee forests, including forest health, connectivity, and collaborative partnerships. Next, Conservation Foresters from The Nature Conservancy will discuss the potential of family forest carbon programs in engaging private landowners in climate-smart forestry. This innovative program empowers families to become stewards of their land, implementing sustainable forestry practices that not only sequester carbon but also enrich ecosystems and safeguard biodiversity. Finally, Appalachian Carbon Exchange (ACE) will discuss the landscape of private carbon markets and the supply and demand side of a regional carbon exchange that results in high quality, nature based projects. Learn about how ACE facilitate both the growth of accessible climate solutions and regional investment in climate action across Central and Southern Appalachia.
Advanced sustainability does not represent the norm or the average. It represents the application of the leading edge of new and innovative versions of technology, construction techniques, materials, designs, and performance. Advanced sustainability must also exist at a breadth or scale that can lead to its being commonly replicated by others to "move the needle' of progress toward climate action and sustainable or regenerative living and operation. This panel will address the principles of advanced sustainability and case studies of industrial, residential, and commercial case study innovations.
Sustainability occupations continue to evolve and are rapidly expanding to every discipline, company, organization, and agency. Leading sustainability professionals will discuss their educational preparation, training, certification, pathways, and current and emerging opportunities. Discover how you can re-train in place, integrate knowledge and practices, or transition to a new or more meaningful and impactful career to confront the historic challenges and change brought about by the transition to carbon free energy and sustainable practices.
Is Tennessee emerging as a center for sustainability innovation? Large investments by Ford, Volkswagen, GM, and Nissan in new electric car manufacturing and new carbon free energy investments and expansions planned by the Tennessee Valley Authority position represent a historic shift toward sustainability leadership in the Southeast. What other sustainability innovations are emerging and how might the cumulative impact of all of these innovations shape and influence change in the future?
Sustainable water management represents a new and old array of tools, natural and technological practices, design approaches, and project applications. Its conceptual framework is as old as the hydrosphere and has its foundation in our nation's response to the dust bowl. The panel will review applications of the natural sciences and engineering that are creating and restoring resilience to absorb the shocks and stresses of more frequent, higher intensity storm events, and new pendulum swings between droughts and floods.
This panel discussion will focus on addressing community vulnerabilities in Chattanooga through innovative public-private partnerships. Speakers from The Enterprise Center, Electric Power Board (EPB), and the City of Chattanooga will discuss their current programs and strategies aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change and uplifting all sectors of the public. Through presentations and a panel discussion, presenters will share insights from their experience in forging effective collaborations across different sectors to tackle current challenges and build community resilience in Chattanooga.
