Press contact: Kyla Kruse
SPRINGFIELD — The Lincoln Land Community College Academy of Lifelong Learning invites the public to the upcoming four-part presentation series on climate change, “The Action You Take, The Difference You Make.” Events will be held Wednesdays, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16 and April 20 from 5:30-7 p.m. via Zoom.
The series begins Jan. 19 with State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford presenting “Climate Change and Its Effect on Central Illinois: An Overview.” Dr. Ford conducts research on climate systems and extreme climate events, like drought and heat waves; monitors current conditions; and studies climate change. He says, “Overall, Illinois’ climate has gotten warmer and wetter since the start of the 20th century, according to high-quality climate monitoring data from NOAA Centers for Environmental Information.” Ryan Cadagin, 7th Circuit Court judge, will host this webinar event.
Other presentations in the series will focus on the impact of climate change on central Illinois as it relates to soil, energy production, and hydropower and resources.
Feb. 16: “The Earth” — Soil management experts will discuss the impact of climate change on farming. Panelists include Samantha Reif, LLCC professor of geology; Ashley Curran, grant manager, Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts; and Lauren Lirkins, director of environmental policy, Illinois Farm Bureau. The moderator is Karen Ackerman Witter, former Illinois State Museum director, author and writer for the Illinois Times.
March 16: “Wind and Air” — In this presentation, participants will take a closer look at fossil fuel use. Panelists include Kevin C. O’Brien, Ph.D., director of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and principal investigator overseeing the CWLP carbon capture and storage project, and Michelle Knox, founder and owner of WindSolarUSA and certified site assessor for solar photovoltaics and solar thermal projects. Program moderator is John Stremsterfer, president and CEO, Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln and Next10.org.
April 20: “The Water” — This program looks closely at the lakes, rivers, streams, aquifers and wetlands that move, store and filter Illinois water. Panelists include Wes Cattoor, P.E., CFM, section chief, engineering studies at Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Dr. Jim Angel, climatologist at Illinois State Water Survey, former Illinois state climatologist (1997-2018).
Preregister for these events online and find more information under the Newsletters & Special Events section.