As the world grows ever more conscious of its relationship with nature and continues to transition towards cleaner energy sources, so too does our need to be aware of the complexities surrounding their implementation. Through expert insight and real-world examples, this webinar seeks to navigate the challenges and opportunities inherent in renewable energy development. Exploring the socio-economic impacts that renewable energy infrastructure production may pose, as well as best practices in fostering meaningful engagement with affected communities – ensuring informed consent, sharing of responsibilities, and value generation to the greatest extent possible. Join us in this dialogue as we seek to strike a balance between progress and responsibility in our strive towards a sustainable future.
Moderator:
Aaron Cooke – Architect/Researcher/Strategic Partnerships Lead at NREL's Alaska Campus
Speakers:
Bios
Aaron Cooke: Aaron Cooke is a licensed architect and project manager at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)'s Alaska Campus in Fairbanks. He manages the Sustainable Northern Communities Program, which designs and deploys emerging building technologies and approaches in the Arctic and Subarctic. Cooke's work primarily focuses on durable, affordable, healthy, and sustainable building design in extreme climates and remote locations. He works with architects, builders, technicians, local leaders, and Tribes to design, build, and monitor innovative buildings across the circumpolar north.
Javier Arnaut: Dr. Javier Arnaut is Associate Professor and Head of Department of Arctic Social Science & Economics at the University of Greenland. He specializes in environmental economics and in the long-run development of emerging regions and the Arctic. He devotes special attention to the environmental consequences of growth in the Arctic.
