We are all aware of the pressing need to address climate change, recognizing the critical importance of immediate action. To delve deeper into the profound impact we're facing, Asia Society Japan is privileged to host Professor John Sterman, Jay W. Forrester Professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, and Bethany Patten, Senior Lecturer and Director of Policy and Engagement at the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative to the Policy Salon breakfast. Together, they will lead the En-ROADS Climate Workshop, offering insights and discussions on this crucial subject.

The En-ROADS Climate Workshop is an interactive group experience that uses the En-ROADS climate solutions simulator—a free, easy-to-use, online tool built in collaboration with the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative and the not-for-profit think tank, Climate Interactive. En-ROADS gives users the opportunity to test out different climate change solutions, en route to creating a future that limits global warming to well below 2°C from pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement. The experience delivers insights into policies and actions that can meet climate goals. To date, it has been used by nearly 200,000 people in 130+ countries, including 6500+ top decision-makers in government, business, and civil society. 

In previous workshops, one participant said, "En-ROADS lit my brain on fire… in one screen, the model communicates the urgency of the climate change threat." We will play out the best- and worst-case scenarios in real-time. We look forward to diving into active discussions on collective actions and finding ways to work together effectively.

Event and Registration Details

• This event will be conducted in in-person and online, and registration is required.
• In-person participation is for members and guests only. Please pay your fee by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) or at the door.
• Online participation is open to the public and free.

Speaker Bios

John Sterman

John Sterman is the Jay W. Forrester Professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Professor in MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems and Society, and faculty director of the MIT System Dynamics Group and the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative.

Prof. Sterman has published approximately 200 works spanning corporate strategy and operations, energy policy, public health, and climate change. Author of award-winning books and papers, he pioneered the development of interactive “management flight simulators” of corporate and economic systems, which are used by governments, corporations, and universities around the world.  These include the ReThink Health initiative and health policy simulator and, through the MIT Climate Pathways Project, in partnership with the non-profit, Climate Interactive, the C-ROADS and En-ROADS climate policy simulations, which have been used by policymakers, negotiators, business and civil society leaders, educators, and the public around the world.

Prof. Sterman is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, has been recognized for his work with an honorary doctorate, and has been recognized with numerous other honors, including eight awards for teaching excellence at MIT. His work is often featured in the media, from the New York Times, Washington Post, and National Public Radio to China’s CGTN.  Prof. Sterman holds an AB in engineering and environmental systems from Dartmouth College and a PhD in system dynamics from MIT.

Prof. Sterman holds an AB in engineering and environmental systems from Dartmouth College and a PhD in system dynamics from MIT.

Bethany Patten

Bethany Patten is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Policy and Engagement at the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative. Her work centers on the translation of academic research into real-world impact in business, policy, and civil society. Specifically, she examines how institutions can best practice ethical political engagement, connecting with and educating leaders ranging from MIT graduate students to C-suite executives to members of the United States Congress.

At the Sustainability Initiative, she co-created and directs the MIT Climate Pathways Project which brings together faculty, staff, and researchers to advance the adoption of evidence-based climate policy through top tier decision-makers. The project, which leverages interactive simulations like the En-ROADS climate action simulation, has engaged with 4300+ global leaders in government, NGOs, business, and academia.

As an MIT Sloan faculty member, she teaches the action-learning based course Sustainable Business Lab (‘S-Lab’) and in several MIT Sloan Executive Education courses.  Elsewhere at MIT, she is a member of the MIT Climate Policy Working Group and sits on MIT Sloan School of Management’s Faculty DEI Committee.

Beyond MIT, Bethany is a board member and treasurer for the Environmental League of Massachusetts, board member of the Climate Beacon Project and served as president of Boston’s Bay Village Neighborhood Association. Prior to MIT, Bethany worked for more than a decade in business and financial operations in the book publishing industry. She holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, a MPA at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and a BA from Boston College.