In the beginnning of June, Ambassador Wegger Chr. Strommen will visit Billings, Mont. to moderate two roundtable discussions on climate and environmental change: “Where’s the Water? Climate Impacts Globally and Locally” on June 1st and “The Business Case for a Carbon Policy” on June 2nd.
“Living in Norway means living close to the North Pole, with its permanent ice cover stretching toward us in winter and pulling back each summer,” Ambassador Strommen explained.
“We have explored and exploited the Arctic regions for hundreds of years. We are seeing unprecedented changes there now. The melting Arctic ice will reinforce and accelerate global climate change. That’s why I want to engage with people and communities across America, telling our story and hearing American experiences and views,” he added.
While Montana is far from the Arctic, the melting polar sea ice is a harbinger of changes that may affect natural resources, commerce and public health in the region. The speakers will highlight the dramatic environmental changes globally as well as impacts expected in Montana, and the global challenge of transitioning to low carbon-development.
Dr. Knut Alfsen, Research Director at CICERO, will discuss the trends in global warming, the global carbon cuts that are required to stabilize the climate, and key technologies and challenges to their large scale deployment.
Dr. Steven W. Running, Professor of Ecology at the University of Montana, will discuss regional impacts of climate change, and Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former director of the Congressional Budget Office and advisor to 2008 McCain campaign, will discuss the business case for a carbon policy.
The events are free, but RSVPs are required.
“Where’s the Water? Climate Impacts Globally and Locally” (June 1st): RSVP by May 30 to rebecca@northernplains.org or 406-248-1154. Light refreshments will be provided. Click here for a PDF of the invitation.
“The Business Case for a Carbon Policy” (June 2nd): RSVP by May 27 to Heather Higinbotham at (406) 600-6617 or heatherh@yellowstonebusiness.org. Click here for a PDF of the invitation.