Agenda
7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion
Event Summary
Let's Discuss: Data-Driven Optimism for Our Planet
Feeling overwhelmed by environmental headlines? You're not alone, but what if the data tells a more hopeful story? Let’s discuss how data can give us some optimism for our planet!
Join the Austin Forum for an online book discussion of Hannah Ritchie's "Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet.” This groundbreaking book uses hard data to challenge the prevailing narrative of doom. Ritchie, a researcher at Our World in Data, argues that while our environmental problems are serious, they are also solvable. We'll discuss the book's surprising insights on everything from carbon emissions and plastic waste to food systems and biodiversity, and explore its central message: we have made real progress, and we have the tools to build a sustainable future.
To get the most out of the conversation, we encourage you to read the book or a summary before the event. However, all are welcome to join, listen, and share their perspective, regardless of whether you've finished the book.
Come ready to discuss, question, and explore a pragmatic and empowering path forward for our planet. 🌍💡
Moderator
Jay Boisseau, Executive Director, Austin Forum on Technology & Society and CEO, Vizias
Jay Boisseau is an experienced, recognized leader and strategist in advanced computing technologies, with over 30 years in the technology roles. Jay is the executive director and founder of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society, which he created in 2007. The Austin Forum is one of the pillars of the Austin tech community, hosting dozens of events every year that feature technology experts and thoughts leaders and that attract technology leaders and professionals, business and community leaders, and more. Jay’s other current roles include: advanced computing strategist at Google in the Google Cloud HPC team; CEO of Vizias, a technology consultancy; and lead owner of Remedy in downtown Austin. Jay has held previous leadership positions at the Austin AI Alliance as the founding executive director, Dell Technologies as an HPC & AI strategist, the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) as the founding director, the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center. He received his doctorate in astronomy from UT Austin, and his undergraduate degree in astronomy and physics from the University of Virginia. For Jay's full professional bio, visit here.
Attendance Instructions
Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Eventbrite, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email before the event.
Space is limited, so please register only if you’re confident you can attend—and kindly cancel your registration if your plans change so we can open your spot to another participant.