The Challenges and Opportunities of Getting to Net-Zero GHG Emissions

ABOUT THE LECTURE

The Challenges and Opportunities of Getting to Net-Zero GHG Emissions

Multiple industrial and agricultural revolutions have profoundly transformed the world, but these revolutions are changing the climate of Earth. Most of our energy sources and many of the materials we use are based on fossil fuel. The challenges on how to provide clean energy, water, air and food in a world of 8.2 billion people and projected to be 9.8 billion by 2050 are formidable. After a brief summary of our current trajectory, Prof Chu will discuss the progress, opportunities and challenges needed to achieve net-zero greenhouse emissions.

ABOUT NUS120

The National University of Singapore celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2025, commemorating a legacy, forged over generations, of excellence, innovation and service.

As Singapore’s first higher education institution and its flagship university, NUS has been instrumental in nurturing generations of leaders and visionaries who have shaped the nation and beyond. Our 120th anniversary offers a singular milestone to look back on this storied history, while re-affirming our continuing mission to shape the future.

In our line-up of programmes and events for NUS120, we hope to celebrate the legacy and contributions of an institution uniquely established by the community for the community, since our founding in 1905.

NUS120 DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES

The NUS120 Distinguished Speaker Series aims to engage compelling, renowned and influential speakers who will share their unique perspectives on the pressing issues of the future that impact our country, region, and the world. This series explores the overarching theme of “Shaping the Future”, fostering thought-provoking ideas and conversations that inspire meaningful debate and discourse. The lecture brings together students, staff, and alumni of NUS, as well as the industry, government, academia and research community, creating a vibrant forum for invigorating exchange and engagement.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Prof Steven Chu is a William Keenan Professor of Physics, Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Energy Science and Engineering at Stanford University. He received the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics for laser cooling and trapping of atoms. Other contributions include the optical tweezers of biomolecules, precision atom interferometry and single molecule FRET of biomolecules. Current research includes molecular biology, ultrasound imaging, batteries and carbon capture. From 2009 – 2013, he was U.S. Secretary of Energy, where he began ARPA-E, the Energy Innovation Hubs, and was tasked by President Obama to help BP stop the Macondo Oil spill. Previously, he was Director of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and professor of Physics and Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. He was also Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Stanford, where he initiated Bio-X that links physical and biological sciences with engineering and medicine. Prior to Stanford, he was a department head at Bell Laboratories. He received an A.B. and B.S. degrees in mathematics and physics from the University of Rochester, and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley. He has 35 honorary degrees and is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and 9 foreign academies.

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