Series focuses on climate change issues
A four-part educational series sponsored this fall by Climate Smart Glacier Country in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls aims to look at how a “warming climate presents new challenges to the Flathead Valley, but it also offers many opportunities to strengthen communities and the local economy.”
The series kicks off Sept. 28 in Whitefish with the Flathead premiere of “TOMORROW,” a French film that shares stories about neighbors creating community solutions all around the world for sustainable food, energy, and transportation systems, economics and education.
“This is a film about community, creativity and hope,” said Climate Smart Chairman Steve Thompson. “We can sometimes feel overwhelmed in the face of the various crises of our times. This film has inspired people across America by offering constructive solutions to act on a local level while making a difference on a global level.”
Climate Smart Glacier Country is a nonprofit partnership formed by local businesses and organizations, local communities and Glacier National Park to create local solutions to the challenges of climate change.
While the partnership focuses on local opportunities and solutions, the groups also says it’s important to openly acknowledge and discuss emerging stresses related to a changing climate.
The second program of the series on Oct. 16 in Kalispell will feature Montana’s top climate scientists who will present Montana’s first statewide assessment of climate trends, future projections, and likely impacts on Montana agriculture, forests and water. The assessment was created by a team of scientists at the University of Montana and Montana State University.
The third program on Nov. 8 in Whitefish will consider what a warming world means for hunting, fishing and winter recreation in Montana. And a final forum on Nov. 16 in Columbia Falls will explore the economic and social benefits of Montana’s transition to a clean energy economy.
All events are free and open to the public. The schedule for the 2017 Climate Smart Educational Series:
- “TOMORROW” will be shown on Thursday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center downtown. The event is co-sponsored by AERO, the Alternative Energy Resource Organization.
- Montana Climate Science Day is Monday, Oct. 16, 1-4 p.m. in Kalispell at the Flathead Valley Community College Arts and Technology Building in the Large Community Room. A presentation of the first Montana Climate Assessment is co-sponsored by UM, MSU and FVCC.
- Fire on the Mountain on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center is a multi-media evening of concerning, fishing and hunting, climate change and snow featuring Hilary Hutcheson, Ryan Busse and Todd Tanner. Co-sponsored by Protect our Winters, Conservation Hawks, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.
- Envisioning Montana’s Clean Energy Economy is Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls. The event is a forum featuring local clean energy businesses and a new UM research white paper on the social and economic impacts of Montana’s transition to a renewable energy future.
Funding support provided by Whitefish Community Foundation, Cinnabar Foundation and Whitefish Credit Union.