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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.

Despite being the fastest land animal, cheetahs can't run from the threat of habitat loss. Laurie Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund has used a multi-pronged effort including habitat restoration, resource management education, and job creation to address that threat. In this interview by Sheela Sethuraman for the Tech Museum Awards, Marker describes the creative measures she has taken to save cheetahs and improve the lives of the people who live near them.

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.

How can an innovative social entrepreneur enable her exciting new idea to fulfill her dream of changing the world? This panel of truly successful innovators examines the challenges of replicating and scaling ideas into massive realities of social change. They share their varied experience in identifying the important considerations that can grow a successful neighborhood social program into a global social venture.

Financing the growth of operations to achieve major scale is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing social entrepreneurs. This panel explores the current challenges and constraints in mobilizing capital flow to compelling social enterprises. Also discussed are a range of strategies and channels available to social entrepreneurs for financing growth plans, including emerging alternatives to create new asset classes (hybrid, for-profit, and for-benefit models).

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.

"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.

We have been living in an age of consumer surplus, where people are encouraged to shop as "retail therapy". How does this fit into the world's growing awareness of the need for sustainable business practices and our own individual needs for self-actualization and meaning? In this panel discussion from the Commonwealth Club of California, leaders in business, design and innovation discuss why a deeper understanding of human nature will be central to a successful 21st century business strategy.

Most people don't think of liquid nitrogen or ink jet printers as kitchen utensils, but most cooks aren't like Homaro Cantu. In this special edition of IEEE Spectrum Radio, follow Chef Cantu from his family's fast food kitchen to his restaurant Moto, one of the most innovative in the world.

Scientists predict that we have less than 10 years to sufficiently reduce carbon emissions to avert a total environmental disaster. Gary Hirshberg, Stonyfield Farm "CE-Yo", tells of his company's efforts over the past 25 years to reduce its environmental footprint while increasing profits. Hirshberg shares lessons from his book Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World, in this Stanford Center for Social Innovation talk.