
This fall, the University of Minnesota’s Office of Sustainability is brewing up some of exciting and educational events to deepen your understanding of sustainability, climate change, and tips to implement on campus. These Coffee Chats and our Climate Literacy Teach-in are a perfect way to engage with experts, learn from your peers, and take action for our planet. Mark your calendars and join us!
☕ Friday, September 27th from 10-11am (Zoom):
Ice Cores & Climate Change Coffee Chat
Hear from renowned Climate Scientist, Dr. Peter Neff, and PhD candidate in the Neff Lab, Julia Andreasen. This discussion will dive into the fascinating world of glaciology and ice core research to better understand our changing climate. Dr Neff is also the Director of Field Research and Data for the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX), a National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center that seeks to find the oldest possible ice core records of past climate preserved in Antarctica. Peter shares widely about ice core climate science via X/Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
To register, click here.
☕ Tuesday, October 1st from 10-11am (Zoom):
Solar for Home and Business Owners Coffee Chat
Join three local solar professionals to learn more about the solar industry in Minnesota and the role solar energy plays in greening the grid. This session will provide diverse perspectives on topics including financial incentives, a just transition to renewable energy, and practical guidance for anyone considering solar power for their residence or business.
Panelists: Jennifer Lindahl (CERTs Regional Coordinator, SE Regional Office Rochester, UMN Extension RSDP), Bob Blake (Owner, Solar Bear), and James Ayer (Minnesota Solar Professional).
To register, click here.
☕ Friday, October 18th from 9:30-10:30am (Zoom):
Impacts of Climate Change on MN Agriculture Coffee Chat
This discussion will take a look at Minnesota's changing climate and how these changes are impacting local agriculture. We will hear from a panel of experts coming from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives including two local Minnesota farmers. We will also touch on the role of artificial intelligence and how AI intersects with climate-smart agriculture.
Panelists: Katie Black (Extension Educator, Climate Adaptation and Resilience), Craig Laplante (Farmer from Fisher, MN), Shawn Haag (Executive Director, AI-CLIMATE Institute), and Anne Schwagerl (Farmer; VP of the Minnesota Farmers Union).
To register, click here.
☕ Thursday, November 7th from 10-11am (Zoom):
Food Security on Campus Coffee Chat
This session will look at the issue of food insecurity and its impact on local communities. Dinkytown has often been described by UMN students and other locals as a food desert. We will take a look at campus food security issues and their impacts on our student population.
Panelists: Dr. Michael Boland (Professor; Agricultural and Food Business Management Major Coordinator), Jenny Breen (Faculty in Culinary Nutrition, Food Educator, & Chef), and Priscilla Bunday (Undergraduate Student; Member of the UMN Food Recovery Network).
To register, click here.
For more details on all of our Coffee Chats, click here.
🌎 Thursday, November 14th:
Climate Literacy Teach-In
Join us for an interactive Climate Literacy Teach-In event at the University of Minnesota this fall! Engage in hands-on activities and discussions with topic experts from across the U to deepen your understanding of climate change and learn what meaningful action looks like.
What is Climate Literacy?
NOAA Climate.gov defines Climate Science Literacy as:
"...an understanding of your influence on climate and climate’s influence on you and society. A climate-literate person understands the essential principles of Earth’s climate system, knows how to assess scientifically credible information about climate, communicates about climate and climate change in a meaningful way, and is able to make informed and responsible decisions with regard to actions that may affect climate." Source: NOAA Climate.gov
The Goal: Everyone walks away able to talk about climate change and apply their knowledge to their lives!
For more details on the Climate Literacy Teach-In, click here.
These events are free and open to all members of the University of Minnesota. Whether you're a seasoned sustainability advocate or just beginning your journey, these sessions are a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, meet like-minded individuals, and learn how to make a difference!
Let’s come together over coffee and conversation to create a more sustainable future!