To reduce or even stop the threat of global warming, it stands to reason that the first line of defense is to avoid using fossil fuels in the first place. In this overview followed by questions from the audience, John Podesta suggests that this can be done by focusing on greater energy efficiency--both at small and large levels--from everyday items to international policy.

On the one hand, biofuels offer a green substitute against petrol-based fuels such as gasoline. On the other, they are still expensive to produce and are causing a steep inflation in food prices the world over. A panel of experts debates the root causes of the increase in food prices, and the need to produce biofuels vis-a-vis the measures to tackle the economic and political side effects of its production.

Moira Gunn interviews Ed Humes, Pulitzer Prize winning author, about his book Eco Barons: The Dreamers, Schemers, and Millionaires Who Are Saving Our Planet. The book features profiles of visionaries who have dedicated their lives and their fortunes to saving the planet from ecological destruction.

John Doerr discusses a range of topics including technology policy in the new Obama administration and his thoughts on the economy and the effect on innovation. He also gives specific advice for startups in the current economic climate. He also talks about recent VC investment direction in the Internet and green technology, the importance of the iPhone as a platform, and includes specific examples of companies and technologies to watch for in the near future.

Craig Venter, a pioneer in genetic research, continues to advance the state of science in genomics and synthetic life. In this interview, he discusses some of his key discoveries, as well as a few goals for the future. In his current work on DNA programming and building synthetic organisms, he's using the building blocks of life to approach society's most pressing problems such as energy and food.

How does an organization not only promote green and sustainable products but also conduct business in a socially responsible way? At the Stanford 2008 Responsible Supply Chains Conference, leaders of three pioneering enterprises talk about how they integrate fair trade, sustainable design, green purchasing, and public/private partnerships into every aspect of their business. They offer advice for other organizations and share how they are working to promote social responsibility in their respective industries.

In his many walkability audits, Dan Burden has studied and defined what makes for a pedestrian-friendly community. Even more importantly, he knows why such places are so valuable for everyone - walkers and drivers alike. In this presentation concluding with questions and answers, he discusses why walkability is crucial to the sustainability of communities, and what they can do to encourage it.

How can the United States and the world benefit from the work of people who have been dedicated to social change over the last 30 years? What can those with the most diverse array of backgrounds and careers do to impact social, economic, and political policy, particularly in this unprecedented era of new political leadership? In this panel from the 2008 Encore Careers Summit, activist leaders from the women's, civil rights, and environmental movements discuss how we can reinvent this country by drawing on lessons from the past.

Dr. Moira Gunn speaks with Ken Brill about a paradox of modern life. He discusses how we traded in our big gas-guzzling automobiles, while dealing with the surprise energy downside of surfing the Internet.

"The future whispers," says oft-quoted forecaster Paul Saffo. This interview covers a range of interesting subjects, including different forecasting methodologies, Japanese robots, and the rise of the city state. Saffo distinguishes between forecasters and futurists, and discusses what indicators he looks for. In particular, he explains the significance of people taking their Roombas on vacation.