Are you concerned about climate change? Interested in understanding the climate system and learning effective climate action pathways?
Join EMBARK and PICS at Climate Literacy 101 - a Virtual Lunch & Learn series on May 27, June 3 and June 10 - to learn from and engage with leading climate science and policy experts at Simon Fraser University (SFU).
We are grateful to have Dr. Kirsten Zickfeld and Dr. Mark Jaccard presenting on the state of the climate and how citizens can contribute to climate success, as well as participating in a Q&A session over Zoom. The event series will close with information about ongoing campus climate action initiatives and ways to get involved at SFU.
May 27th 2020, 12 pm -1 pm
Abstract
Dr. Kirsten Zickfeld will speak about the climate science that underpins the requirement for net zero carbon dioxide emissions to stabilize Earth’s climate. She will illustrate the atmospheric greenhouse effect, the long permanence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the lag in the warming of the ocean, which conspire to keep global mean temperature elevated even if human-made carbon dioxide emissions are eliminated.
Speaker
Kirsten Zickfeld
Kirsten Zickfeld is an Associate Professor in the Geography Department at Simon Fraser University. Her primary research interests are in the long-term effects of human activities on climate. She is internationally recognized for her research on the irreversibility of human-induced climate change and carbon budgets consistent with climate targets. She served as a Lead Author of the recently released IPCC Special Report of on Global Warming of 1.5 degrees and is a Lead Author of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. She has won the President’s Prize of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society and SFU President’s Prize for Leadership in Sustainability.
June 3rd 2020, 12 pm -1 pm
Abstract
Dr. Mark Jaccard will speak on how climate-concerned citizens can overcome myths that hinder us from acting in time to prevent extreme climate impacts. Their actions can involve personal consumption choices (electric vehicles, heat pumps) but these only have an effect if citizens are also engaged in the political process and civil society to elect and support climate-sincere politicians. These personal and collective efforts must align with and foster a global strategy of decarbonization, especially in developing countries. Come to the talk to find out what is required on a simple path to climate success and what you can contribute.
Speaker
Mark Jaccard
Mark Jaccard was recently named an SFU Distinguished Professor. He is known for his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and a member of the Royal Society of Canada for his research using economic models to assess climate policies. He has won the Donner Prize for best policy book in Canada, the BC Academic of the Year Award, and several SFU awards including the Sterling Prize, the President’s Sustainability Award, and the Media and Outreach Award. He has also been arrested for blocking a coal train.
June 10th 2020, 12 pm - 1 pm
Abstract
In this session, you will hear about various climate action initiatives at SFU and opportunities to get involved. Participating groups include SFU350, Embark's Climate Action Team, SFU Sustainability Office, and PICS.
Speakers
Cyan Abey and Elyse Lindgren, EMBARK Climate Action Team
WeiChun Koa and Skye Noh, SFU 350
Mariah Mund and Alyssa Zandvliet, ChangeSFU
Kayla Blok, Sustainability Office
Nastenka Calle, PICS