Since 2019, WUCCP has hosted an array of dialogues for its Climate Conversations. The mission of this series is twofold: to expose Washington University students to new perspectives, opportunities, and approaches to the climate crisis and to facilitate communication among experts in the field. Past topics have included eco-anxiety, the Green New Deal, Hawaii’s at-risk ecosystem, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (see RINGO). The Climate Conversations bring in entrepreneurs, politicians, researchers, students, and other climate activists.
As climate change rises in urgency and saliency, WUCCP is working to further expand this program.
Upcoming Conversations
Climate Conversation: Nuclear Energy
This April (date TBD), WUCCP will host a Climate Conversation on nuclear energy. Check back for more details and registration.
Previous Conversations 2020-2021
Click to view the details, recording, and resources related to our recent Climate Conversation on the 2020 Election.
Extreme Weather Events Climate Conversation
March 24, 2021
Greenwashing Climate Conversation
November 17, 2020
Environmental Justice Climate Conversation
October 29, 2020
Election 2020 Climate Conversation
September 30, 2020
Older Conversations
WashU alumni virtually returned to campus to share their stories about their careers in renewable energy. Students were able to ask questions and receive advice about their own futures.
If you would like to watch the recorded panel, click here.
In a discussion about international climate policy, attendees heard from WashU students who attended the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2019. Additionally, the professor of the class gave advice about the application process to attend next year’s COP.
How can we keep looming climate worries from overwhelming us? Join us candid discussion on the intersection between climate change and mental health with Chris Stark, Asst. Professor in the Department of Music and composer of ‘Seasonal Music” and Chris Weatherly, a Brown School researcher on climate change and mental health.
How does a least developed country adapt to a changing climate? How can a least developed country negotiate on the global stage? How does adaptation come into play in the UNFCCC? And how does international climate law intersect with human rights issues? Professor Tracy Bach, who teaches and publishes on climate change, international law and human rights and was a visiting professor at Washington University, was our guest.
This event introduced attendees to the historical movements and policies that preceded the Green New Deal and inspired its creation. Participants gained an understanding of the core tenants of the resolution.
Anu Hittle led a conversation about the threats that climate change imposes upon island communities like Hawaii and what projects she is taking as the state’s Mitigation and Adaptation Coordinator to address them.
WashU policy, law, and science professors engaged in a conversation about the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR15) published by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in October. This Q&A-style event covered what the IPCC is, highlights of the report, and what WashU and attendees could do.
Icons found on The Noun Project. Creator attributions (top to bottom):
career by Path Lord; conference by priyanka; anxiety by dDara; Myanmar by Xinh Studio; policies by Justin Blake; Loudspeaker by David; and Climate Change by Iconathon.