Talking Confidently About Climate Change in Indiana, and Beyond
Talking Confidently About Climate Change in Indiana, and Beyond
This virtual training series is designed to familiarize Indiana educators and professionals with foundational knowledge about climate change so they can be more confident answering questions and engaging in climate change discussions.
Participants will learn why our climate is changing, how it affects Indiana, and what we can do about it.
Series sponsored by the Purdue Climate Change Research Center, Purdue Extension, and the Indiana State Climate Office.
Session 1: What Does Climate Change Mean For Indiana?
Tuesday June 9, 2020 | 3 PM Eastern
Presented by: Melissa Widhalm, PCCRC
This session will put global climate change into local perspective. Based on the latest science from the Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment, we’ll share future projections for our climate and how these shifts will affect human health, agriculture, ecosystems and more.
Session 2: Back to Basics – The Science Behind Climate Change
Thursday June 11, 2020 | 3 PM Eastern
Presented by: Hans Schmitz and Austin Pearson, Purdue Extension
This session will cover the foundational science of climate change. We’ll explain concepts such as the greenhouse effect and carbon cycle. We’ll also discuss the factors affecting the global climate and why scientists have concluded human activity is driving climate change.
Session 3: What Do Historical Observations Tell Us About Indiana’s Climate?
Tuesday June 16, 2020 | 3 PM Eastern
Presented by: Beth Hall, Indiana State Climatologist
This session will take a deep dive into our historical temperature and rainfall records to see if there are any detectable trends or changes. We’ll discuss how weather data are collected and quality controlled, and share strategies for finding reliable data sources and products.
Session 4: Climate Change MYTH-BUSTERS
Thursday June 18, 2020 | 3 PM Eastern
Presented by Jeff Dukes, PCCRC
This session will review the top misperceptions about climate change and set the record straight. We’ll also provide tips for identifying and counteracting misinformation. Attendees can submit their questions to Melissa Widhalm (mwidhalm@purdue.edu) by June 15 to be answered by the experts.
Session 5: Tips for Tough Conversations
Tuesday June 23, 2020 | 3 PM Eastern
Presented by: Julie Doll, Michigan State University
This session will look at people’s perceptions and beliefs about climate change, explain why climate change denial exists, and provide practical strategies for having productive conversations about climate change.
Session 6: The Climate is Changing – Now What?
Thursday June 25, 2020 | 3 PM Eastern (special 90 minute session!)
Presented by: Jeff Dukes, PCCRC, with moderated breakout sessions
This interactive session will explain concepts of climate mitigation and adaptation, with a deeper look at climate solutions available to various sectors. Participants will then engage in a moderated breakout session on a topic of their choice to discuss feasible steps for local action in their area of interest.