Shell’s chief energy adviser to speak at Rice’s Baker Institute Oct. 2

MEDIA ADVISORY

Jeff Falk
jfalk@rice.edu
713-348-6775

Shell’s chief energy adviser to speak at Rice’s Baker Institute Oct. 2

HOUSTON – (Sept. 25, 2018) – Royal Dutch Shell’s chief energy adviser, Wim Thomas, will visit Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Oct. 2 to discuss the potential for a system that brings modern energy to everyone without exacerbating climate change.

The event, part of the Baker Institute’s Shell Distinguished Lecture Series and hosted by the institute’s Center for Energy Studies, is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Who: Wim Thomas, chief energy adviser and leader of the energy analysis practice at Royal Dutch Shell.

What: A presentation and discussion titled “Can Society Achieve the Goals of the Paris Agreement?”

When: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 8:30-10 a.m. Breakfast and registration is at 8.

Where: Rice University, James A. Baker III Hall, Kelly International Conference Facility, 6100 Main St.

In keeping with an almost 50-year history of developing energy scenarios to explore ways forward, Shell has envisioned a possible pathway for the world to meet the climate change goals of the Paris agreement, according to event organizers. The Sky Scenario outlines what Shell believes to be a technologically, industrially and economically viable way to limit the global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels.

While the scenario is an encouraging first step in combating climate change, success is not guaranteed, organizers said. Consumers, companies and governments will face tough choices, and the paths toward lower-carbon energy will vary by country and sector.

The Shell Distinguished Lecture Series is the Baker Institute’s flagship speakers program, reflecting the vision of its honorary chair, former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III, and Shell’s commitment to defining the role of statesmanship, integrity and bold leadership in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

The public must RSVP for the event at www.bakerinstitute.org/events/1969. A live webcast will be available at the event page. The social media hashtag for the event is #BakerEnergy.

Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.

For a map of Rice University’s campus with parking information, go to www.rice.edu/maps. Media should park in the Central Campus Garage (underground).

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Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute ranks among the top three university-affiliated think tanks in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes — including a public policy course — and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog.