CLUS Climate Series
Launched in Fall 2019, the CLUS Climate Series provides a forum for members of the public and municipal officials to learn about climate change. This series is focused on various elements of climate change and anticipated impacts within our region. Topics will include the degradation of unique ecological and biological sites, distribution patterns for wildlife and plant species, potential climate-induced human health risks, and increased severe weather events. CLUS hopes to create an experience that contains a broad, sweeping understanding of climate related issues and scientific insights. Initial events were held on the Shippensburg University campus, but future offerings will be held in locations within the community. All events are free and open to the public.
Introduction to Climate Change
Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 at 6:30 PM
Shippensburg University
Dr. Tim Hawkins, SU Professor of Geography-Earth Science, will kick-off the series with an introduction to climate change. His talk will focus on the current state of scientific knowledge, anticipated impacts including to the local area, and practical solutions. Tim’s primary teaching and research interests are climatology and hydrology. His recent research with the CLUS explores how forest ecosystems and hydrologic processes in the Delaware River Basin will be affected by climate change and land cover change.
Click here to view the recording, or check out the video playlist, below.
Impacts on Forestry and Wildlife
Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 at 6:30 PM
Shippensburg University
Dr. Benjamin Jones will discuss regional climate change impacts on forestry and wildlife. Ben is a leader in science-based conservation and was the unanimous choice of the search committee as the new President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. He brings “experience, skills and passion” to lead the programs of RGS/AWS that range from habitat management to hunter recruitment.
Click here to view the recording, or check out the video playlist, below.
Getting To Net Zero: Climate Challenges and Solutions
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 12:00 PM
Shippensburg University
Dr. Karl Hausker, senior fellow in the World Resources Institute’s Climate Program lectured on the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Everyone in the climate/energy policy community should understand how assumptions regarding the availability, performance, and integration of various technologies shape the answers, and drive the implications for policy choices and for priorities for research and development.
Click here to view the recording. Click here for a copy of the presentation.
Shippensburg University’s Climate Commitment and Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 12:00 PM
Shippensburg University
Dr. Timothy Hawkins, professor of geography and earth science, presented the results of the university’s greenhouse gas inventory and discussed ways to reduce and eliminate carbon emissions from campus. This lecture is part of the Center for Land Use and Sustainability’s Climate Series and Shippensburg University’s Climate Commitment initiative.
Click here to view the recording. Click here for a copy of the presentation.
Community Climate Action Planning Series
Communities in the Cumberland Valley and southcentral Pennsylvania are taking action against climate change. Join us in this three part series to learn about climate action already happening and how you can take action in your community.
This series is coordinated by community groups and agencies in the Cumberland Valley, including the Cumberland Conservation Collaborative, South Mountain Partnership, Cumberland County Planning Department, Center for Land Use and Sustainability at Shippensburg University, Center for Sustainability Education at Dickinson College, and Carlisle Borough.
#1: Local Governance – Setting the Stage
October 20th, 2020 @ 6:00 PM
Virtual Event
Join us in learning about the importance of local government in addressing climate change, Cumberland County’s commitment to climate change mitigation and the Local Climate Action Program through the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection. Speakers: Cumberland County Commissioner Jean Foschi, Heidi Kunka of PA Department of Environmental Protection, John Dernbach of Widener University Law School.
Click here to view the recording, or check out the video playlist, below.
#2: Municipal Rules – Where Real Action Happens
December 8th, 2020 @ 7:00 PM
Virtual Event
How does local climate action planning happen? The Borough of Carlisle will be used as an example of how local governments and citizens can initiate climate action planning. To include group discussion after presentations. Speakers: Joel Hicks, Chair, Carlisle Climate Action Commission (CAC); Tony Underwood, Pathways and Analytics Team Lead, Carlisle CAC; Sara Markowitz, Community Engagement Team Lead, Carlisle CAC; Mohamed Badissey, Projects and Estimates Team Lead, Carlisle CAC; Karla Farrell, Zoning Team Lead, Carlisle CAC. Event lead: Carlisle Borough.
Click here to view the recording, or check out the video playlist, below.
#3: Schools – Where Ideas Take Root
February 2nd, 2020 @ 7:00 PM
Virtual Event
Climate Change prevention and mitigation practices already being implemented at Shippensburg University and Dickinson College will be used to understand how other schools and academic institutions can undertake similar initiatives. Speakers: Tom Horton, Carlisle Area School District; Claire Jantz, Center for Lands Use and Sustainability; Neil Leary, Center for Sustainability Education; Samantha Moyer, Carlisle Area School District (additional panelist); Sean Cornell, Shippensburg University (additional panelist). Event leads: Dickinson College and Shippensburg University.
Click here to register for the event!
View the recordings for all of our climate series events: