The public is invited to attend a series of free lectures starting Thursday, Sept. 25, at Flathead Valley Community College.
The series, "Montana’s Changing Climate: Science, Solutions & You," is sponsored by the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association in partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Audubon, Headwaters Montana, PPL Montana, Montanans for a Healthy Climate, the Clark Fork Coalition, and the FVCC Green Team.
While Glacier National Park is seen as a poster child for climate change, impacts to the Flathead are also emerging, and are inextricably linked to what’s happening in our park. Climate change has the potential to alter—irreversibly in some cases—the environment and economy upon which the Flathead Valley depends. We need to act quickly if we want to leave this special place unimpaired for our children and grandchildren.
Dr. Steve Running, the state’s leading climatologist and resident researcher at the University of Montana, Missoula, will host the first lecture in the series on Sept. 25.
Dr. Running is as a lead author of the fourth Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
All lectures will be held in the FVCC Arts and Technology Building, in room 139. Lectures begin at 7:00 P.M.
Thursday, Sept. 25 – 7:00 P.M.
Climate Change in the Northern Rockies: It’s all about Water
Dr. Steve Running, Director, Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group, Department of Ecosystem Sciences, University of Montana
Description: Our changing temperatures will be easier to adapt to than our changing land water balance. Climate models predict a drier summer climate in the future, which will challenge our water management, and stress our terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Tuesday, Sept. 30 – 7:00 P.M.
An Ethical and Theological Perspective on Climate Change
Reverend John Lund, Director, ELCA Lutheran Campus Ministries, University of Montana
Description: If we agree that the earth is warming due mostly to human carbon outputs, then what are the ethical questions that arise? If our actions or inactions will affect millions of people alive today and in the future, do we have any moral obligation? What will be our legacy to future generations? Also, how does our theology and faith connect with this conversation?
Tuesday, Oct. 7 – 7:00 P.M.
The Climate Preparation Commons: Global Warming Science Meets
Public Planning In Uncertain Times
Dr. Dominick DellaSala, Executive Director of Programs and Chief Scientist, National Center for Conservation Science & Policy
Description: As the global climate changes, disruptions in natural systems that fuel economies and are the very fabric of life on Earth are already in advanced stages. This talk will focus on what can be done about preparing natural systems and communities for climate disruption, drawing on examples from the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere to provide a framework for a climate preparation commons where humanity and nature work side by side to combat the effects of climate change.
Tuesday, Oct. 14 – 7:00 P.M.
Cascading Climate Change Impacts on the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem
Dr. Dan Fagre, Research Ecologist, United States Geological Survey
Description: The disappearing glaciers are the most visible responses to climate change in the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. However, shrinking glaciers also are linked to changing snow patterns, hydrology and aquatic biota that have downstream consequences. The warming temperatures that cause melting glaciers directly impact diverse elements of mountain ecosystems including alpine vegetation, snow avalanches and forest fires.
Tuesday, Oct. 21 – 7:00 P.M.
Water & Wildlife: Climate Change & Montana’s Natural Resources
Panel Discussion featuring:
Amy Cilimburg, Director of Bird Conservation, Montana Audubon Brianna Randall, Water Policy Director, Clark Fork Coalition T.O. Smith, Biologist, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Ron de Yong, Director, Montana Department of Agriculture
Tuesday, Oct. 28 – 7:00 P.M.
The New Administration: What Will John McCain or Barack Obama do about Climate Change?
Dr. Richard Barrett, Professor Emeritus, University of Montana
Description: This lecture will review the principal climate change policy proposals of the candidates, explain how these policies work, or are intended to work, why they may be controversial, and what promises and pitfalls they may entail.
Panel Discussion on Climate Change Policy Options:
Bob Brown, Senior Fellow, O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West Mark Lambrecht, Regulatory Affairs Manager, PPL Montana -
Diego Rivas, Program Manager, Montanans for a Healthy Climate
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Ken Toole, Commissioner, Montana Public Service Commission
For more information on the lecture series, go to the National Parks Conservation Association's web site.
Michelle Tafoya
is the Program Coordinator of the Clean Air and Climate Program for the
National Parks Conservation Association in Montana. |
