Program Series: Climate, Energy, and Environment
The Climate, Energy and Environment (CEE) Series offers events that showcase research in alternative energy sources and fuels, the impact of climate change and environmental tragedies on Earth, and the conservation and sustainability of the Earth’s resources.
Previous CEE events have covered biofuels, climate change, solar energy, Chicago’s water supply, CO2 storage, and research in the Arctic.
Distinguished speakers have included former Under Secretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy Steve Koonin, Ph.D.; Maria Zuber, Ph.D., Chair of the National Science Board and Vice President for Research and E.A. Griswold Professor of Geophysics, MIT; and Kelly Kenison Falkner, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Polar Programs, U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Director of the U.S. Antarctic Program.

In February of this year, Russia invaded Ukraine. Since then, global energy markets have been in a state of flux. With energy companies divesting from Russian providers and strategic oil reserves across Europe and America running dry, the immediate future of conventional energy production and usage is rife with unknowns. To complicate matters further: the direct attacks on Ukrainian nuclear power plants and the stability of Chernobyl renew questions regarding the use of nuclear power. The matter goes beyond energy itself–the increase in military spending will affect social safety nets, such as healthcare, and environmental protection. This panel will synthesize what has happened across global energy markets since February 2022, how that affects us in the present, and how this will change our future energy landscape.
Continue reading “Energy After War: How Ukraine Affects Us All”

What’s the word, bird? As we reboot our Science in the Parks series, we are excited to partner with the Chicago Audubon Society, Chicago Ornithological Society, Wild Indigo, and–of course–the Chicago Park District to bring birding to West Pullman Park! Whether you’re a first-time birder looking to get outside, or a seasoned veteran of the birding circuit, this program should be a blast! Our partners are providing expert guides to take you through West Pullman Park’s impressive natural oak savanna, helping teach you about animals you may find in your own backyard. Continue reading “Science in the Parks: A Birding Tour of West Pullman Park”

*This program can be attended without background on Part I. The area is so large, we need two sessions to share all its beauty.
What is Midewin (pronounced mi-DAY-win) National Tallgrass Prairie? Learn about the history and geography of this very special place less than an hour from the city. Join C2ST and longtime Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie volunteers Greg DuBois, Ron Kapala, and Christina L. Sammet, Ph.D., as well as Visitor Information Assistant Laura Lewis as they take us on a virtual journey to explore restored wetlands, prairies, and observe wildlife. While learning why conservation is so important, visit some of the best examples of restored prairie. Register now for Prairie 101 to join the conversation on how Midewin will change and what change means for wildlife and recreation in this two-part summer evening series.

What is Midewin (pronounced mi-DAY-win) National Tallgrass Prairie? Learn about the history and geography of this very special place less than an hour from the city. Join C2ST and longtime Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie volunteers Greg DuBois, Ron Kapala, and Christina L. Sammet, Ph.D., as they take us on a virtual journey to explore restored wetlands, prairies, and observe wildlife. While learning why conservation is so important, visit some of the best examples of restored prairie. Register now for Prairie 101 to join the conversation on how Midewin will change and what change means for wildlife and recreation in this two-part summer evening series.

Join C2ST and Dr. Silvia Alvarez Clare for our monthly Science and Sandwiches Program! On the first Friday of every month, we sit down with an expert during the lunch hour to chat about life, science, careers, a day on the job, and whatever else you’re interested in learning about them–within reason, anyways.
Continue reading “Science and Sandwiches featuring Silvia Alvarez Clare, PhD”