The conferences are held in collaboration with Clean Air-Cool Planet, the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, and Natural Resources Defense Council.
The purpose of the events is to acquaint opinion leaders with the challenges and opportunities facing the United States and the international community regarding the rapidly warming Arctic climate.
As the northern part of Norway, and the islands of Svalbard, are located above the Arctic circle, Norwegians experience climate change directly. And while the shores of Lake Michigan are far from the Arctic, changes in the Arctic are harbingers of changes that may affect natural resources, commerce and public health in our region. The event will highlight the dramatic changes in the Arctic, as national and international leaders grapple with efforts to combat global warming, including debate on climate legislation in the U.S. Senate and the next round of major negotiations in Copenhagen in December.
A panel of experts, moderated by His Excellency Wegger Chr. Strommen, Ambassador of Norway to the United States, will discuss major issues involved in Arctic warming. “Norway is pursuing the issue of climate change – but cannot do it alone. The United States must lead this effort,” he says.
The panel includes Dr. Eugenie Euskirchen, Research Assistant Professor of Terrestrial Ecology at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Dr. Nalan Koc, Director of the Norwegian Center for Ice, Climate and Ecosystems in Tromso, Norway, Adam Markham, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Air-Cool Planet, and Dr. R. Steven Nerem, Professor of Aerospace Engineering Science at the University of Colorado.