Environmental challenges come in all shapes and sizes.  Some seem far away and intangible while others touch us in our homes, on our farmland, in the air we breathe, and in the water we drink. Leading experts in climate science and environmental research will join WorldCanvass host Joan Kjaer on April 25 to discuss the most pressing concerns facing Iowans and international efforts to mitigate potentially disastrous effects of climate change and the resulting disruption to populations worldwide.  You’re invited to attend the live discussion at MERGE, 136 South Dubuque Street, from 5:30-7 p.m. on April 25.  The program is free and open to the public with a pre-show catered reception from 5-5:30 p.m.

Scientists, community leaders, environmental watchdogs, and others are studying the effects of climate change on the environment and are advancing new solutions by the day, but will it be enough to avoid catastrophic damage to the most vulnerable parts of our planet or a steady degradation of the air, the land, and the sea?

UI faculty members Greg Carmichael, Gabriele Villarini, Craig Just, Larry Weber, Jerry Anthony, Tyler Priest, and Jerald Schnoor—all recognized leaders in their fields—will share current research and discuss policy approaches to environmental challenges in the U.S. and globally.

Climate Science and the Environment—What’s Next?

Part 1—5:30-6:00 p.m.

Air quality, atmospheric rivers, and storm pattern prediction

Greg Carmichael –professor, UI College of Engineering; co-director, Center for Global & Regional Environmental Research

Gabriele Villarini—associate professor, UI College of Engineering; director, IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering

Part 2—6:00-6:30 p.m.

Water quality, nutrient management, and the Iowa Watershed Approach

Craig Just—assistant professor, UI College of Engineering

Larry Weber—professor, UI College of Engineering

Part 3—6:30-7 p.m.

Global responses to environmental challenges

Jerry Anthony—associate professor, UI School of Urban & Regional Planning

Tyler Priest—associate professor, UI Department of History; UI Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences

Jerald Schnoor—professor, UI College of Engineering; co-director, Center for Global & Regional Environmental Research

WorldCanvass programs are recorded as audio podcasts and are available on iTunes, the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), and the WorldCanvass website. University of Iowa International Programs produces the series in partnership with MERGE, 136 South Dubuque Street. Audio production is provided by Kyle Marxen (www.kylemarxensound.com ). This program is co-sponsored by the UI Public Policy Center and its World Climate Simulation to be held on Saturday, April 21, at the Iowa City Public Library.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Amy Green in advance at amy-green-1@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1433.