Program: Education As Part of A Midwest Research And Solutions Agenda

Tuesday, March 14, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. CT

In this community meeting, we shared a summary of the research themes that had emerged from a literature review of Midwest specific climate change research, as well as the results of a survey on Midwest specific research interests and needs to the Midwest Climate Collaborative community and friends. Both the review and the needs survey suggested the importance of co-creating research and education together to join the discovery of challenges with active work for solutions. Themes included nature-based solutions, supporting decarbonization, transportation solutions, and integrating climate and equity action into organizational culture. Participants identified and discussed areas of greatest traction and potential within their education work. Educators from academic, K-12, informal, and agency settings were invited to share ideas for making connections.

Expertise & Facilitation: The session was led by Abigail Aderonmu-Omunu, a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the International Center for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability (InCEES) at Washington University in St Louis, who led the Midwest Climate Research Agenda initiative for the Midwest Climate Collaborative. The session was facilitated by Sarah Fortner, Director of Sustainability at Carleton College.

Meeting Goals

To synthesize research goals that have emerged MidwestClimate from literature review and community input
For educators to consider where they see places to engage
To consider partnerships that help build support for climate action.