Framing Climate Change: Recent Research Trends on Communication Strategies and Public Opinion
Climate change has become a hot-button issue in mainstream American politics, and people are divided over its causes, impacts, and solutions. This webinar will offer an overview of how the public views the issue of climate change, several explanations for these differences in perception, and possible approaches for bridging the gaps through innovative communication strategies. This webinar will provide information about:
- Public opinion trends about climate change and public policy
- Different explanations for divisions in public opinion about climate change
- What the latest communication research tells us about best climate change communication practices, and about developing a public consensus about this issue
Chicago Climate Action Plan
Urban areas are responsible for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions and cities are increasingly seen as the place where the solutions to climate change will be found. Chicago developed its Climate Action Plan in 2007 to outline the mitigation and climate readiness goals for the city. It has since been recognized as one of the leading plans in the country because of its scientific rigor, community involvement, and actionable targets.
Moving from plan to action has involved thousands of people, many different sources of support, and a set of innovative approaches. This webinar will provide information about:
- The process for creating the Chicago Climate Action Plan
- How Chicago moved from plans to action
- Accomplishments and next steps
Climate Change & Invaders: Sources of Uncertainty in Managing the Great Lakes Region
Invasive species have dramatically altered terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems around the Great Lakes. Managing these invaders in the face of greater uncertainty due to climate change provides additional challenges to resource managers. Can management actions be adapted to address invasive species concerns? This webinar will provide information about:
- Invasive species found in the Great Lakes region
- Potential impact of climate change on the ranges and effects of invasive species in the region
- Research needs and adapting management actions to address future conditions in the region
Balancing the Economic Benefits with the Environmental Impacts of Shale Energy Development
Directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing have unlocked vast new reserves of natural gas in the United States. Development of these resources is now well under way in Pennsylvania and West Virginia and is now beginning in Ohio. This study assesses whether the economic benefits generated by shale energy production justify incurring certain unavoidable environmental costs. This webinar will provide information about:
- The nature of shale energy production and its broader implications for the world energy complex
- Environmental impacts including the frequency of environmental incidents, their severity, and associated remediation efforts, and
- Estimates of the economic benefits and environmental costs of shale energy development.
Business and Climate Change: Are Sustainability Efforts Enough?
Climate change for many is primarily about science and environmental impacts, but the linkage to economic concerns is undeniable.
Many believe business opposes limits on carbon, overlooking the fact that many firms supported legislative efforts to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect forests and develop new clean energy technologies. Were these firms merely acting in their own interests while endangering the economy? Why did business engage in the debate? Is the current political impasse regarding climate helpful to business? Has business moved on? This webinar will look at these and related questions.
