• CERAWeek
  • March 18 - 22, 2024

Dr. Ernest Moniz

Energy Futures Initiative

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Ernest J. Moniz is the CEO of Energy Futures Initiative and EJM Associates. He served as the thirteenth United States Secretary of Energy from 2013 to January 2017. In that role, he advanced energy technology innovation, nuclear security and strategic stability, cutting-edge capabilities for the American scientific research community, and environmental stewardship. He also strengthened the Department of Energy’s (DOE) strategic partnerships with its seventeen national laboratories to produce science-based policy proposals that attracted strong bipartisan support. A key architect of the Paris Agreement on climate change and Mission Innovation at COP 21, Professor Moniz championed international initiatives that placed energy, science, and technological innovation at the center of the global response to the climate crisis. He also negotiated the historic Iran nuclear agreement alongside Secretary of State John Kerry. Today Professor Moniz also serves as CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a non-profit organization that has advanced innovative solutions for securing nuclear materials, building international cooperation for nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, preventing the spread of disease, and reducing radiological threats. Professor Moniz was the Founding Director of the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) and Director of the Laboratory for Energy and the Environment. He received a Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude in physics from Boston College, a doctorate in theoretical physics from Stanford University, and has received multiple honorary doctorates.

Sessions With Dr. Ernest Moniz

Monday, 11 March

  • 12:30pm - 01:15pm (CST) / -

    Voices of Innovation with Ernest Moniz and Lord John Browne: What will it take to transform the global energy system?

    Panel Technology/Innovation

    Hear from a legendary energy expert on challenges of energy transition and the role of the United States as the engine of innovations. Interviewed by visionary leader Lord John Browne.

  • 03:20pm - 04:05pm (CST) / -

    Climate Strategies in a World of Rivalry

    Panel Climate/Environment/Sustainability

    COP24 achieved a rule book to implement the Paris Agreement but left a massive gap between pledged actions and Paris targets to limit increases in global temperature. How sure are we of what needs to be achieved? Where can we find the biggest gains for emissions reductions—from carbon sinks to carbon sequestration? What incentives are needed to stimulate private investment in solutions and R&D?

  • 07:30pm - 09:00pm (CST) / -

    Investment Strategies in a Low-Carbon World

    Panel Climate/Environment/Sustainability Finance/Trading/Risk Management

    The idea of an energy transition to a low-carbon world has now gone mainstream. The combination of concern about the risks of climate change and focus about new clean technologies has captured the public attention, the interest of the general press, and some of the political dialogue in almost every country. For companies in the energy business, this has brought pressure in the form of shareholder resolutions, and calls for divestment from fossil fuels. This pressure is coming from major investors. Is money moving into low-carbon investments? Will the shift in sentiment constrict ability to invest in oil and gas and lead to higher prices? How should companies respond?