Parker Reposa and Lauren Schiff recently drove a Rivian electric pickup truck from Southern California to North Carolina, a journey that took seven days. They documented their adventures on Instagram while testing the growing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along the way. The couple is among the first students in Duke University’s new Master’s program in Business, Climate, and Sustainability, aimed at integrating climate strategy with business.
As companies increasingly consider climate risks in their operations—reflected in a World Economic Forum report predicting significant organizational changes due to carbon reduction—Reposa and Schiff’s trip served as both a means of travel and a practical experiment. They aimed to explore whether EVs could realistically handle long-distance trips without incurring a significant carbon footprint.
Much to their surprise, they found ample fast chargers along Interstate 40, averaging about 20 stops during their 2,500-mile journey. This reflects advancements in the nation’s charging network, with over 64% of Americans residing within two miles of a public charger and more than 70,000 fast charging connectors available.
Schiff, a former marine environmental scientist, expressed her wish to bridge environmental data with business decisions through this program. The 10-month course combines teachings in business, climate science, environmental policy, and practical analysis, preparing graduates for careers in various sectors, including consulting, finance, and energy.
Program dean Alistair Eriksson Ludwig emphasized that understanding climate-related events is essential for modern business operations, linking environmental knowledge with practical business applications. Both Reposa and Schiff view their trip as a reaffirmation of their commitment to connecting climate science with economic strategies.
Source link
