Our world has long run on cheap, plentiful energy.

But today’s challenges — demands of a growing population and rapidly industrializing developing nations, tightening energy supplies, and the increased impact of energy extraction and use — dictate that we find new sources of energy and new ways to use energy.

From March 25 to 28, 2009, the Aspen Institute and National Geographic will lead dialogue and problem solving in this complex area at the second annual Aspen Environment Forum. The 2009 Forum, themed "Powering the Planet: Energy for the Long Run," will present discussions on topics including climate change, energy extraction and use, innovation and technology, efficiency, conservation, and more, all led by energy experts, government and business leaders, writers and photographers, and other knowledgeable and committed voices in the field.

The Forum — part convocation, part roundtable, and part local town meeting — combines experts, insiders, and the public in a wide range of programming, including large plenary sessions, panel discussions, one-on-one interviews, multiple concurrent morning and afternoon sessions, unique daily seminars, luncheons, casual conversations, book signings, dinner events, and evening exchanges.