On October 27th, 2008 the Ford Fellows discussed world energy issues with Mr. Ralph Avallone, CEO and President of the International Green Energy Council. Ralph and his brother Derek spoke about the challenges that we face to revert the damage that we have done to the environment and prevent further damage as populations around the world continue to grow.

The group also discussed the U.S. dependency on oil and what specific steps could be taken to reduce this dependency, especially from the countries that are not sympathetic to the U.S. Creating alternative means of energy not only reduces the dependency on oil-producing countries but also creates new jobs in industries and sectors that didn’t exist before. The key to make these new industries propel the country into new prosperity is to re-educate workers and teach them to perform new jobs. This will help retain jobs in the country and avoid outsourcing.

The session concluded with a group picture and many students engaged in one on one conversation with Mr. Ralph Avallone. They asked for feedback on how they could bring these ideas and changes to their countries. Students were also invited to volunteer at the Ecobuild Fall Conference which will take place at the Washington Convention Center on December 8-11 2008.