Why Economy and the environment?
The most important factor that affects the environment is the economy. The economy is what drives decision making; it is what drives people, businesses, and governments to make responsible or irresponsible decisions. There is not one environmental problem that does not directly affect our economy, as evidenced by President Obama’s new green standards, including the recently signed Executive Order 13514. This order requires the federal government to reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2020 and its indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 13% by the same year. This regulation is estimated to save the government up to 11 billion dollars in energy costs. Unfortunately, for most issues, economic value is still difficult to determine. The four issues we therefore wish to explore are the economics of sustainability and climate change, local economics that relate to the environment, agriculture and the economy, and energy.
In choosing such a dynamic and relevant theme, we hope to attract a diverse group of participants to the conference. We also hope to utilize Northwestern’s excellent business programs and business certificate programs in the Kellogg School of Management to give students and the community a more informed perspective on the issue. The four panels will allow NUSOS to provide a framework for open discussion. We hope to invite speakers from different backgrounds who can share their unique perspectives and opinions regarding the economy and the environment. Our goal is to foster new conversations that not only lead to a better understanding of the issues, but also to a better understanding of the solutions that can be developed.
In choosing such a dynamic and relevant theme, we hope to attract a diverse group of participants to the conference. We also hope to utilize Northwestern’s excellent business programs and business certificate programs in the Kellogg School of Management to give students and the community a more informed perspective on the issue. The four panels will allow NUSOS to provide a framework for open discussion. We hope to invite speakers from different backgrounds who can share their unique perspectives and opinions regarding the economy and the environment. Our goal is to foster new conversations that not only lead to a better understanding of the issues, but also to a better understanding of the solutions that can be developed.
