Sponsored by:
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FAQs
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Who will attend the Aspen Environment Forum?
The Forum is designed to engage participants in thoughtful dialogue about important and contemporary issues. The Forum appeals not only to experts in the field, or business and government leaders whose professional and civic lives are challenged by the environmental issues raised during the Forum, but also individuals who are simply concerned about the environment.
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Must one be an expert about the environment to participate?
While many will bring special knowledge to the Forum, interest is all that is required to participate. The Forum’s program builds over the course of the three days from Scenes from a Changing Planet to an examination of Challenges and Opportunities to a day dedicated to Sustainable Solutions. Participants throughout the three days are encouraged to mix and match sessions and let their imaginations reign.
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What types of events will occur during the Forum?
Each day of the Forum will offer a wide range of programming:
- Large plenary sessions offered at least two times a day, taking the form of panels, one-on-one interviews, and/or solo talks;
- Multiple, concurrent sessions, offered in both the morning and afternoon;
- Unique seminars each afternoon, featuring innovative ways to engage and reflect on the topics presented each day with selected presenters and fellow Forum participants;
- Luncheons each day featuring recent photography and conversation with photographers and journalists from our partners at National Geographic Magazine;
- Casual conversations, book signings, and other informal discussions on campus and off through the day; and
- Evening exchanges and other events in venues around Aspen
The forum will conclude with a special dinner and awards ceremony.
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What are the effects of high altitude?
The altitude in Aspen is more physically demanding and affects everyone a little differently. The two main changes in the environment are decreased oxygen content and decreased moisture content in the surrounding air. A sudden ascent from sea level to high altitude can produce symptoms of nausea, insomnia, shortness of breath, headache or nasal congestion.
The Colorado Heart Association recommends that you keep physical exertion to a minimum the first day. Eat lightly, drink plenty of fluids, and use alcohol moderately. If symptoms develop that worry you, please let our staff know and we will contact a local physician or recommend a physician to you.
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Forum participants are highly encouraged to be prepared for the cold and wintry snowfall in Aspen by packing appropriate outerwear and clothing.
Aspen and the Aspen Institute have a very informal atmosphere. Dress is casual at the Forum sessions and, although not required, some people dress a bit more formally at dinner. Comfort should be your guide.
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Why is this event sponsored by corporations?
The Aspen Institute enjoys and guards our proven commitment to the open exchange of ideas. To protect that value—for the Institute and for sponsors, Institute staff directs all matters of content, moderator and speaker selection. The commitment is to seek diversity and, where appropriate, balance in the perspectives represented at the Forum and among the moderators and featured speakers. Sponsors can be a valuable resource in filling out the diversity and balance, but a resource only. Therefore, sponsors are aware of and support the understanding that the Aspen Environment Forum was created as an opportunity for open and, at times, spirited exchanges of ideas— including ideas that are sometimes different from sponsor interests. That lies at the heart of the Institute’s mission and ultimately reflects favorably on sponsors.
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Press Release
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Aspen Energy and Environment Awards
Winners of First Annual Energy and Environment Awards Announced »