Engineers, architects, builders, and materials scientists are in a race against climate change, aging infrastructure, and increased urbanization. This panel will delve into the opportunities for creative problem-solving and innovation related to infrastructure, from buildings to energy systems to leading-edge materials and technologies.

On both a local and global scale, we are faced with significant social-environmental challenges — including biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, lack of access to wild spaces, and the inequitable impacts of each of these. What role can community-led conservation play in responding to these challenges? This panel will explore the ways in which local communities are bringing together coalitions to protect and activate public and private spaces, from parks to prairies, and from farms to forests.

Markets and consumers have immense potential for positive global impact. Activating that potential requires a green entrepreneurial mindset. Join our panelists as they share their stories, discuss successful approaches, and consider opportunities for a rising generation of entrepreneurs at SAAS and beyond to help consumers align their values with their actions.

Whether at the city or national level, meaningful conservation efforts require legislation to maximize long-term impact. Join this panel in exploring how public servants, elected officials, engaged citizens, and non-profits can establish cooperation and coalitions, even (and especially) despite disagreement, in service of meaningful climate policy and conservation.

If “we are what we eat,” what are the implications and possibilities for conservation and climate? Join a panel of farmers, entrepreneurs, and restaurant owners as they share how they’re leveraging the joy and power of food to bring people together for dialogue, climate action, and sustainable eating.

Research and data should be our guides in making decisions about climate and conservation. That requires ongoing investment from higher ed, industry, nonprofits, and the public sector in scientists and their research. Join our panel of scientists who tackle their work with curiosity and determination, and who are committed to instilling those traits in future generations of scientists.

Large organizations are often maligned as the “villains in the climate story.” That tendency misses the important role that large organizations are playing in addressing climate change at scale. Join leaders who are driving transformational climate action across systems, supply chains, and sectors.

We know the power of direct experience for students in their learning. That same power of direct experience can catalyze informed action to protect rivers, mountains, forests, and deserts. Join a panel of outdoor guides, recreation entrepreneurs, and leaders whose organizations facilitate opportunities for interaction with nature in ways that translate to a passion for access, conservation, and climate action.