Nov. 7: College of Lake County hosts former presidential advisor on climate

To what extent are the deadly hurricanes and forest fires of 2017 related to climate change? What are Lake County residents doing to influence policy that can significantly reduce carbon emissions that are linked to a changing climate?

National and local experts will provide answers and perspectives at a presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, in the Room A011 auditorium at the Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Donald Wuebbles, is the Harry E. Preble Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Illinois and will address the science of climate change. From 2015 to 2017, Dr. Wuebbles served as assistant director with the Office of Science and Technology Policy under President Obama in Washington. Wuebbles has co-authored a number of international and national scientific studies, including the 2013 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change international assessment of climate science and the 2014 U.S. National Climate Assessment. He has authored over 500 other scientific publications related to the Earth's climate, air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer.

While Dr. Wuebbles will address the science of climate change, other presenters will discuss national and local policies that can reduce carbon emissions. Representatives from the Citizens' Climate Lobby will explain volunteers' work with Congress on developing an effective and fair climate policy and how their work is behind the growing Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus. Local Sierra Club members will present the Lake County Climate Action Pledge, which is being circulated among county leaders for signature. The pledge's goal is to move Lake County beyond coal, adopt ambitious clean energy goals and build climate-resilient infrastructure. Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor will discuss the impacts of local officials signing this pledge.

David Husemoller, CLC sustainability manager, will moderate the event and provide an update on CLC's award-winning efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and create a sustainable campus environment.

For details, contact Husemoller at (847) 543-2643 or dhusemoller@clcillinois.edu. For more information on CLC's sustainable efforts, visit www.clcillinois.edu/gogreen.