It all started with a sudden realization. Maybe the root of all problems doesn’t lie within individuals, but stems from a collective crisis. Maybe the answer has been right in front of us all along: The power of Hope. But not just a vague concept. Something deeply rooted in science and backed by academic research. Something that had the capacity to transform everything.
Molly Kawahata, former climate advisor to the Obama White House and subject of Patagonia’s film, THE SCALE OF HOPE (2022).
Molly Kawahata to speak at U-M on the transformative power of hope in fighting climate change
The Global CO2 Initiative and its affiliated student organization, the Michigan Carbon Capture Club, are excited to welcome Molly Kawahata to the stage at the University of Michigan on Friday, February 14, 2025. Molly will speak about the transformative power of hope in the fight against climate change. The talk, “A Hopeful Horizon for Climate Action: Bridging Communications, Cognition, and the Science of Hope,” is free and open to the public, but attendees must sign up.
Molly is an award-winning speaker, strategist, ice climber, and former climate advisor to the Obama White House and is the founder of Systemic Impact Strategies, a consultancy that specializes in implementing the science of hope across communications, organizational development, and social impact initiatives. Her expertise centers around utilizing the science of hope as a catalyst for positive change.
Dubbed “the hope whisperer,” Molly has proven that hope is not a fluffy concept — it’s one of the most effective strategies at our disposal. And there is a lot of research to back it.
Molly’s remarkable life story, depicted in the acclaimed and award-winning Patagonia film, THE SCALE OF HOPE (2022), delves into her pursuit of climbing steep mountains in Alaska, her personal journey living with a mental illness, and her work to transform societal narratives by infusing them with hope and empowerment. Her story has resonated with audiences worldwide, amassing over one million views on YouTube, streaming on Delta Airlines, and being inducted into the permanent collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art.
This event is made possible from the support of generous University of Michigan partners: School for Environment and Sustainability, Erb Institute, LSA Sustainability, Student Life Sustainability, Recreational Sports, Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum, Center for Sustainable Systems, Planet Blue Ambassador, Graham Sustainability Institute, and College of Engineering.
Watch a previous talk Molly gave, in which she reflects upon her journey from the White House to the high peaks and how they’ve shaped her vision for a brighter, more promising future.
Carbon-based products are central to our economy, yet urgent action is needed to combat climate change. This event will explore how CCU can mitigate the negative impacts of fossil fuel use, addressing the technology’s economic and social impacts, as well as its challenges.
Join this virtual event, organized by the Global CO2 Initiative and held as part of the Climate Week NYC 2024, for a very special conversation with three distinguished University of Michigan (U-M) experts who will discuss the role of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) in combating climate change and transitioning from fossil fuels, live from U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute.
- Jerry Davis: Gilbert and Ruth Whitaker Professor of Business Administration and Sociology, Ross School of Business; Faculty Director, Business+Impact
- Jennifer Haverkamp: Graham Family Director, Graham Sustainability Institute; Professor from Practice, Michigan Law School; Professor of Practice, Ford School of Public Policy
- Volker Sick: Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Mechanical Engineering; DTE Energy Professor of Advanced Energy Research; Director, Global CO2 Initiative, and Faculty Director, Center for Entrepreneurship
By attending this event, you will learn about important CCU topics:
- Discover how CCU can support our move away from fossil fuels. Learn how captured CO2 can be converted into long-lasting products, increasing its economic viability.
- Misconceptions: Understand the debate surrounding CCU, including concerns about its use in some sectors of the oil and gas industry.
- Technological Challenges: Explore the complexities of developing CCU technology, along with the difficult choices and trade-offs that lie ahead.
- Economic and Social Impact: Discuss how this emerging industry could create jobs, influence markets, and shape industries, both globally and within local contexts.
Watch a recording of this event on the GCI YouTube Channel!
CCU is coming – don’t be left out!
Past Events
2024 Harmonizing Assessments of Carbon Management Approaches
2023 CCU LCA TEA Workshop
