The Window of Opportunity is Now: the role of business in addressing global warming, a social entrepreneur's perspective

October 30, 2007,
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Speaker: Robin Chase '86, Founder of ZipCar and GoLoco

Climatologists tell us that if worldwide CO2 emissions peak in 2015 -- seven years from now -- we have only a 50/50 chance of avoiding catastrophic effects of climate change. Achieving this target will require policies to begin reducing emissions in the U.S. and industrialized nations on an even faster timetable. A good many tools in the transportation kit require major infrastructure build outs and the changing over of fleets, none of which produce significant CO2 reductions as quickly as needed. Strategies that directly influence transportation behavior, such as market- and cost-based pricing, can affect emissions rates much more quickly. But changes in behavior, cost structures, and lifestyle are a hard sell with the public. How can business sweeten this deal for consumers? Robin will talk about her experiences with Zipcar and GoLoco, and where she sees opportunity ahead.