Session 2: Renewable Energy and Climate Solutions

Apply now! We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Interested students are encouraged to submit an online application by midnight on Friday, May 31, 2024. Spots are limited, so students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of admission.

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Students accepted for this session will receive an email and informational packet approximately one week before the session's first day.

What topics might be discussed during the Renewable Energy and Climate Solutions session?

• The role of energy in human development
• Energy consumption and trends worldwide
• The links between energy and economic growth
• Renewable energy initiatives
• The energy industry's transition away from fossil fuels and natural gas
• Energy transition initiatives in Asia
• The roles of government policy, international organizations, activists, and private business
• Environmental stewardship
• Environmental justice and equity in climate policies within the U.S. and around the globe
• Houston's green energy initiatives

About the Speakers

Michel Kraten is the Director of Accounting Program Initiatives at the University of Houston; he is responsible for designing and teaching Sustainability / ESG content.  

He is renowned for his award-winning business case and educational game "Save The Blue Frog," which focuses on the balance between economic outcomes and social and environmental considerations.  

Prior to his current role, he held positions as Professor of Accounting and Chair of Accounting, Economics, and Finance programs at Houston Baptist University. Throughout his career, he has taught at various universities in the United States and abroad, including the Universities of Connecticut and Massachusetts, as well as Maastricht University in the Netherlands. He has presented his work at prestigious institutions such as Dartmouth College, Harvard Law School, Johns Hopkins University, and Yale University.

He has authored or co-authored over thirty peer-reviewed articles in esteemed journals such as the Journal of Banking and Finance, the International Journal of Accounting, Research in Accounting Regulation, the CPA Journal, and the Journal of Financial Planning. His contributions to academia have been recognized by the Social Science Research Network (SSRN), where he was ranked in the All-Time Top 10% of global researchers from 2014 to 2023.  

His academic qualifications include a PhD in Behavioral Accounting from the University of Connecticut, a MPPM in Public and Private Management from Yale University, and a BBA in Public Accounting from Baruch College, CUNY. 

Additional speakers will be announced soon.

Additional 2024 Sessions

Session 1: Japan's Global Impact
Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28, 2024・8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Daily
Explore Japan's significant influence on the global stage, from the vibrant world of J-pop and captivating manga to groundbreaking advancements in AI and robotics. Dive into Japan's multifaceted contributions to culture, technology, innovation, and global policy.

Session 3: Human Rights and International Security
Monday, August 5 – Friday, August 9, 2024・8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Daily
Examine the intricate intersection of global security and the protection of human rights in the context of refugee crises. Gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for international cooperation in ensuring the rights and safety of diverse populations.

Testimonials

"By learning how to better adapt to change or collaborate with others efficiently, I think that my perspective of what makes a good leader has become more nuanced. Although confidence and decisiveness are just as important, so is going the extra mile to prepare for changes, which are inevitable. In the future, I will continue to push myself to try my best to improve in whatever I do, be it as a leader or student." — 2023 Equality and Human Development student

"Yes, [I would recommend YLI]! This was very informative and I'm sure that my friends would enjoy it! I also loved being treated as a policymaker, as I am very interested in these issues. The feedback was good and I will definitely be using the info and strategies from this session in my every day." – 2021 U.S.–China Relations student

"The most important thing I learned this week was learning to not only listen to others, but also to learn how to combine key skills like research, teamwork, policy, and presentation (as demonstrated by many of the speakers who spoke to us this week). I also learned the importance of being thoughtful towards others." — 2021 Public Health student

"From the Young Leaders Institute, I have learned that good leaders not only take charge of situations and can adapt to crises; they also serve to diverse communities and communicate their ideas purposefully and consciously. After participating in YLI this week, my personal leadership style will become more communication-focused and emphasize understanding and empathy." — 2022 International Security and Defense student

"My perspective has been widened by a huge margin to be able to see problems from all sorts of perspectives. Others might observe me being more thoughtful and considerate of as much people as possible." — 2023 Energy and Renewables student

Business and Policy programs at Asia Society Texas are presented by Bank of America, Muffet Blake, and ExxonMobil. Major support comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, The Brown Foundation, Inc., and Houston Endowment Inc. Generous funding provided by bp America, Inc, Anne and Albert Chao, ConocoPhillips, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Regions Bank, and Stephanie and Frank Tsuru. Additional support is provided by the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing the best in public programming. Student scholarships generously provided by Asha and Farid Virani.

Business & Policy Presenting Sponsors

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.

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