SEAS Dialogues

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dialogue series emphasizes engaging in difficult conversations as a cornerstone of our community's intellectual vitality. This initiative highlights the most pressing challenges and constructive disagreements in engineering and applied sciences to foster an environment of open inquiry and rigorous analysis. By encouraging diversity of thought and modeling respectful engagement across differences, the series cultivates more adaptable thinkers and establishes norms for meaningful dialogue. Doing so prepares our community to tackle complex problems with intellectual depth and collaborative spirit. 

2025 Panel: Are Electric Vehicles Driving Sustainability? Unpacking the Environmental Trade-Off of the EV Revolution 

The 2025 Dean’s Dialogue Panel will explore the sustainability of electric vehicles (EVs) by discussing their environmental costs and benefits. Across the world, policymakers and car manufacturers are championing EVs as a critical solution to reducing oil consumption and combating climate change. But are EVs truly as eco-friendly as they claim to be? This panel will delve into the complex realities of EV sustainability, examining the environmental impacts of electricity production, the extraction of raw materials, and the recyclability of EV components. By presenting opposing viewpoints, the discussion aims to illuminate the nuances of this critical issue and inspire a deeper understanding of EVs' role in shaping an equitable and sustainable future.