2023 Ten Across Summit

Houston Summit: The Future is Here
January 10-12, 2023

The southernmost portion of the U.S.—from Los Angeles, to Houston, to Jacksonville—offers a compelling window into what lies ahead for the nation. On the front lines of social, economic, and climate change, the Ten Across region contains the three most populous states, the most rapidly growing metro areas, the energy capital of the world, many of the largest North American ports, extremes in weather and water-related challenges, combined with great diversity and demographic change. In short, it is a living laboratory for the future of the country, one ideally situated to examine a comprehensive response to climate change and the related issues of water, energy, infrastructure, equity, democracy, and especially risk. Ten Across will convene a premier group of civic and industry leaders, subject experts and researchers, and writers and journalists creating who are exploring these issues and creating new narratives. The 2023 Ten Across Summit: The Future is Here will be an ideal opportunity to share, inspire, and forge new collaborations and partnerships in a city where the future is taking shape now.

Houston, the fourth largest city in the nation, is frequently cited as the most diverse and fastest growing in the country. Considered the “energy capital of the world,” its role in the global economy is becoming more pronounced as the growing need for energy—renewable and otherwise—continues to grow due to the impacts of rapid climate change and global conflict. In addition to its international and national profile, the city’s civic leadership is addressing issues right on its doorstep—homelessness and resiliency, for example—from which others can learn.  Like the Ten Across transect as a whole, Houston provides a unique lens into the future of America.

Headline speakers include:

• Tuesday, January 10 – Opening Session - 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. CST – Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District — The Necessary Energy Transition: Perspectives from the Energy Capital of the World. A conversation with Bobby Tudor, Chairman of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative and CEO of Artemis Energy Partners
• Wednesday, January 11 – 8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. CST – Asia Society Texas Center, Houston — A View of the Future from Rice University. A Conversation with Rice University President Reginald DesRoches
• Wednesday, January 11 – 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST – Asia Society Texas Center, Houston — Boiling Point - Addressing the Impact of a Rapidly Warming World. Expert panel featuring Jeff Goodell, New York Times best-selling author of The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World. Goodell’s upcoming book on heat and climate change will be included in the discussion.
• Thursday, January 12 – 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. CST - Asia Society Texas Center, Houston — Cities as Laboratories of Democracy. A Conversation with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner
• Thursday, January 12 – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CST - Asia Society Texas Center, Houston — — Getting Real About Climate Risk: Assessment, Awareness, Action. Expert panel including Alice Hill, David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment, Council on Foreign Relations
• Thursday, January 12 – 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. CST – Asia Society Texas Center, Houston — Seeing the Future in the Present – Houston as Subject. Esteemed journalists and editors Michael Kimmelman and Matt Thompson from Headway, The New York Times share their experience of assembling an authentic depiction of Houston’s homeless challenges—what they learned in the process and what has transpired since.

In addition, national experts, journalists, and thought leaders will join headline speakers on summit panels to share frontline insights and examine some of the most pressing resilience, sustainability, and equity issues impacting the region today including: climate change challenges related to water, heat and energy; infrastructure and equity; the future of democracy; and risk planning.

Registration is free for journalists.

Summit Press Kit is available on the event website.

ABOUT TEN ACROSS
Positioned on the front lines of demographic, social, economic, and climate change, the U.S. Interstate 10 corridor presents the challenges of the 21st century in their highest relief. The Ten Across initiative recommends this singular transect as an observatory for the nation as a whole, one trained on critical trendlines and our capacity to respond to a knowable future. Together with our growing network, we engage this region as a living laboratory through which to cultivate more informed decision making and a resilient future.

Ten Across Relationship to Arizona State University
Ten Across is a special initiative of Arizona State University. ASU’s New American University model identifies a deep connection between place, idea and scale. Cited as the most innovative university in the U.S. for its continuous development of new technologies, partnerships and learning modes, ASU provides an essential launch pad for unique initiatives such as this one.