Stanford R. Ovshinsky on the Berkeley campus.

Stanford R. Ovshinsky has been called "the modern world’s most important energy visionary." His career has combined path-breaking scientific work, the creation of new industries and a deep commitment to "make a better world."

On Tuesday, April 8, Mr. Ovshinsky addressed "Alternative Energy and the Americas" in a talk in the Morrison Library on the Berkeley campus. He argued that the need to minimize carbon emissions in the production of energy impels the economy towards a hydrogen-based fuel cycle, and that the most forward-looking and environmentally friendly way to produce that cycle is through the use of solar power. Many of his innovations have directly impacted progress towards that goal.

Webcast and photos of the event-->

In "Mexico’s Deteriorating Oil Outlook: Implications and Energy Options for the Future": With Mexico's main oil fields declining in productivity and PEMEX focused on investment in maintaining production levels, what lies ahead in the energy industry for a country whose government in so dependent on oil revenues? David Shields is an independent energy consultant and editor of Energía a Debate.

In "Global and U.S. Immigration: Patterns, Issues, and Outlook," Professor Philip Martin of UC Davis examines trends in migration, with particular attention to their effects on agriculture, both in the U.S.-Mexico relationship and globally.

CLAS Working and Policy Papers-->

From March 28-30, the Center for Latin American Studies cohosted a conference of the U.S.–Mexico Futures Forum in Mexico City. The Forum, a transnational research and policy network, is entering its seventh year as a joint project between CLAS and the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de México (ITAM). This year's conference focused on the topics of immigration, violence, and energy and alternative energy.

The Forum, in addition to organizing a variety of campus events, has also produced a variety of research initiatives, which have produced the two CLAS Policy Papers by Shields and Martin mentioned to the left.

More updates to the Forum webpage coming shortly.