Students raised invaluable questions during the mock debate:

• Long-term view and corporate reputation. How are corporate executives and boards evaluating their long-term reputational risk for any rapid divestment in corporate sustainability or climate?
• Climate risk. What type of information and at what cadence are business leaders reviewing to assess their climate risk, especially in “Red” states where climate programs and policies are less defined or potentially side-lined?
• Energy mix. What role with natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels play in the energy transition, especially in the context of a pro-fossil fuel energy agenda from the White House?
• Global Climate Goals and China’s competitive edge. How will China leverage its position as a global climate leader to achieve other political goals that may not be in the interest of the U.S.?
• Critical mineral access. How are U.S. businesses currently exposed by China’s export ban on certain critical minerals? How quickly can the U.S. onshore those supply chains?
• Staying the course. What do U.S. businesses stand to gain or lose from staying the course on Sustainability?
• Corporate advocacy. Why aren’t U.S. business leaders more vocal about their perspectives on corporate sustainability, renewable energy, water security, and more?