Climate Change Symposium Means to Coordinate Efforts

 The Institute of Urban Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington and American Planning Association Midwest Texas Chapter are hosting a Climate Resilience and Adaptation Symposium from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., February 6, in the E. H. Hereford University Center, to bring North Texas experts and stakeholders together to identify and assess the shared challenges we face related to the specific impacts of climate change in our region. Registration opens at 7:15 a.m.

 The symposium is timely, because the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA report that 2014 was the hottest of the last 135 years. This forum for learning about climate vulnerability in the region and sharing best practices provides a space for identifying collaborative solutions for adaptation.

 Scientists say this unremitting climate warming is a consequence of human emissions and forewarns of serious future risks for man and the environment. Skeptics and non-scientists often deny that man-caused global warming is occurring and refer to satellite temperature records which only go back about 35 years and measure temperatures far above ground. They say these records show the Earth is warming, but not this year and by not as much as do the ground temperature measurements of the national science agencies.

 The symposium features nine breakout sessions covering specific climate and environmental topics that affect our communities today and in the future. Four keynote speakers will headline the symposium to provide their expertise in resilience and adaptation strategies, including Ms. Robin Rather, CEO of Collective Strength; Ms. Betsy del Monte, principal for Transform Global; Ms. Theresa O’Donnell, city of Dallas chief resilience officer; and Ms. Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist recently named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Cost is $65 or $25 for students and alumni.AICP and law credits are available. Location: 300 W. First St., Arlington.For more information, call 817-272-3305 or visit TXPlanning.org/events/201 to register.

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