INAUGURAL HOUSTON ENERGY AND CLIMATE WEEK

This year's theme, "We Do Hard Things," highlights the resilience of Houston, especially in uncertain times.

As we begin the first-ever Houston Energy and Climate Week, we face the challenges of the energy transition directly. We can foster an inclusive energy landscape by embracing innovation and sustainability while addressing social disparities. Our commitment to collaboration and proactive leadership positions Houston as a leader in energy solutions. According to the 2024 Kinder Institute Houston Area Survey, about three-quarters of residents, especially younger generations, support prioritizing renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydrogen. Stephen Klineberg states, “The story of Houston is that we are there first.” Yet, we must remain aware of potential challenges that rapid changes could pose to our energy supplies. Join us for the opening ceremonies to discuss the costs, impacts, policy, and community needs surrounding this transition in Houston.

AGENDA

7:00 - 8:30 AM - Registration, Breakfast & Conversations on Climate: Podcast Open Mic with Mark LaCour Startup Showcase with Array Battery, Craftstrom, and Mission Zero

​Join us for an engaging and dynamic morning at the Opening Ceremony Networking Breakfast. Mark LaCour, renowned host from OGGN (the world's leading podcast network for oil and energy).  OGGN will set up a podcast studio for a special live recording session. This unique event, Point/Counterpoint Open Mic, invites participants to step up to the mic and share their perspectives in the spirit of unity.  Stop by and learn more about some of the newest technologies in Houston on batteries, solar, and zero waste.

8:30 AM - Opening
  • Welcome - Lindsay Roe, President, Allies in Energy
  • The Unity Commitment - Kerry Bowie, General Partner, Malaika Ventures and Founder, Browning the Green Space
  • Opening Keynote: Houston, We Do Hard Things - Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones
9:00 AM - We Do Hard Things: The Pragmatic Realities of a Lower Carbon Future

Transitioning to a low-carbon future hinges on advancing technologies, effective policies, and environmental justice. Key innovations include carbon capture, hydrogen, renewable energy, and transportation electrification, crucial in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Policies facilitate this shift by providing incentives and regulations and supporting infrastructure and research to ensure compliance with climate goals.

  • Linda Lorelle, Emmy Award Winning Journalist Civil Dialogues & Lorelle Media
  • Jean Becker, Former Chief of Staff - George H.W. Bush
    Co-Founder, Civil Dialogues & NY Times Best Selling Author
  • Pat Wood, CEO of Hunt Energy and Former Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Texas
  • Karl Pettersen, President, Pettersen Consulting
  • Juliana Garaizar, Founding Partner, Energy Tech Nexus and Co-Chair, Houston Energy & Climate Week
  • Theo Wilson, Actor, Executive Director of Shop Talk Live, Host of The History Channel's 'I Was There'
10:30 AM- We Do Hard Things: Resiliency - Building for Now and the Future

How does Houston build for the future? To ensure a resilient Houston, we must prioritize infrastructure that mitigates flooding risks and enhances the quality of life while investing in sustainability. Addressing climate change requires both immediate actions and long-term strategies to prepare our community. This discussion will highlight the importance of developing a skilled workforce with energy literacy and effective communication to engage the public in resilience planning. By focusing on smart infrastructure and risk reduction, Houston can innovate solutions that protect citizens and foster a sustainable energy landscape for future generations, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for all residents..

  • Katie Mehnert, Chief Executive Officer, ALLY Energy and Co-Chair, Houston Energy & Climate Week
  • Angela Blanchard,  Chief Recovery and Resilience Officer, City of Houston
  • Jim Keyes, former Chief Executive Officer, Blockbuster and 7-Eleven
  • Kelly A. Burks-Copes, PhD, Chief, Program Support Branch, Mega Project Division, U.S.  Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District 
  • Dr. Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Vice President of Energy and Innovation, University of Houston

11:15 AM - We Do Hard Things: The Future of Houston’s Leadership on Energy Policy

Join us for an engaging discussion as we explore the rich history and promising future of Houston's leadership in energy policy. This event will discuss how Houston has shaped and continues to influence the national and global energy landscape and what the next half of the decade might look like.  We'll explore the recent National Petroleum Council study on America's hydrogen strategy and discuss the critical role of federal, state, and local partnerships, innovation, and collaboration in driving sustainable energy solutions.

  • Kyle Wiley, Co-Founder, Connector, Inc.
  • Darin Rice, General Manager, Hydrogen Strategy & Market Insights, Chevron New Energies
  • Maxine Pitter Lunn, Ph.D., Public Diplomacy Team Lead, U.S. Department of State
  • Stan Kitzman, State Representative for Texas House District 85.
Noon - Lunch

SPEAKERS

Kerry Bowie Follow me on LinkedIn

General Partner, Malaika Ventures
Co-Founder, Browning the Green Space

Linda Lorelle Follow me on LinkedIn

Emmy Award Winning Journalist
Civil Dialogues & Lorelle Media

Jean Becker Follow me on LinkedIn

Former Chief of Staff - George H.W. Bush
Co-Founder, Civil Dialogues & NY Times Best Selling Author

Karl Pettersen Follow me on LinkedIn

President
Pettersen Consulting

Pat Wood Follow me on LinkedIn

Chief Executive Officer
Hunt Energy and Former Chairman of the PUC Texas

Juliana Garaizar Follow me on LinkedIn

Co-Chair Houston Energy & Climate Week
Founding Partner, Energy Tech Nexus

Theo Wilson Follow me on LinkedIn

Actor, Executive Director of Shop Talk Live
Host, History Channel's 'I Was There'

Katie Mehnert Follow me on LinkedIn

Co-Chair, Houston Energy & Climate Week
Chief Executive Officer, ALLY Energy

Angela Blanchard Follow me on LinkedIn

Chief Recovery and Resilience Officer
City of Houston

Jim Keyes Follow me on LinkedIn

Former CEO, 7-Eleven and Blockbuster
Author, Education is Freedom

Kelly A. Burks-Copes, PhD Follow me on LinkedIn

Chief, Program Support Branch, Mega Project Division
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District

Dr. Ramanan Krishnamoorti Follow me on LinkedIn

Vice President of Energy and Innovation
University of Houston

Darin Rice Follow me on LinkedIn

General Manager, Hydrogen Strategy & Market Insights
Chevron New Energies

Maxine Pitter Lunn, Ph.D. Follow me on LinkedIn

Public Diplomacy Team Lead
U.S. Department of State

Mark LaCour Follow me on LinkedIn

Editor-in-Chief
Oil and Gas Global Network (OGGN)

HOSTED EVENTS - SEPTEMBER 9-13, 2024

The full calendar of Houston Energy & Climate Week events is filling up fast with nearly 50 event submissions.  To submit your event, please click here to send in your forms so that we may list them on the Master Calendar.  

Stay tuned for more announcements.