Humanity must transform its systems of mass production and consumption to be sustainable. This transformation is more than merely a technical challenge. For us to succeed, we must fundamentally change the way we conduct many aspects of human activity to be more sustainable. This transformation will require radically new technical and organizational innovations - both to mitigate our impact on the earth and to help us adapt to the changes we face.

The sustainability challenges facing humanity will become more pronounced in the next few decades. Consequently, the ability of companies to compete on the basis of sustainability will become more valuable. Powered by innovation, winning companies will be those that find ways to produce at “net zero” carbon emissions, that help humanity adapt our food and water systems in a changing world, and who participate in the “circular economy” of sustainable production.

Finally, we must address the severe social consequences of our changing planet. As our ecosystems change, climate migration and climate injustice will combine, challenging humanity’s ability to coexist. Leadership in all sectors - business, religious, political, and civic - must work both for justice and sustainability.

Professor Barnett proposes that humanity’s great challenge can only be overcome if leaders see it through three distinct lenses: the technical lens, the behavioral lens, and the moral lens. Such perspective allows the creation of systems that are able to discover and scale effective solutions.

Professor William Barnett chairs the Department of Environmental Social Sciences at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and Directs the Stanford Initiative on Business and Environmental Sustainability at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is also the faculty director of the Stanford Executive Program.

The talk will be chaired by Kellogg College President, Prof Jonathan Michie.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served from 5pm, with the talk from 5.30pm, followed by Q&A and drinks reception.

This event is free and open to all. If you have any questions please email events@kellogg.ox.ac.uk

The Sustainability Revolution