Global Warming, Climate Change, Catastrophic Climate Destabilization A Series of Evening Discussions on the Causes, Effects and Solutions, led by : Johann Bruhn, Carolyn Amparan, and George Laur

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OVERVIEW Climate change is this century’s over-arching existential threat to humanity, arguably surpassing even nuclear war because global destabilization of civilizations caused by climate change will only heighten the risk of nuclear conflict. We will begin with a session explaining global warming, climate change and catastrophic climate destabilization (three ways of describing what’s happening): the greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases and their fates. Over the following weeks, we’ll explore the consequences of climate change for oceans, fresh water ecosystems, forests, agriculture, public health and global social stability. Finally, we’ll discuss the solutions to this dilemma: alternative energy sources, divestment from fossil fuels, and putting a price on carbon. Weekly sessions are open to the public and will take place at 7:00 p.m. in 200 Waters Hall on MU’s campus. Each session will consist of a 45 minute presentation followed by ample opportunity for discussion. The schedule of sessions is provided beow. All presentations are intended to inform the general public with clear explanations and minimal technical jargon. There is no cost for participation in this course. Coffee and tea will be provided. Attendance is not required at all sessions. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as your schedule permits. For more information, contact Johann Bruhn ([email protected]).

The Presenters Dr. Johann N. Bruhn Ph.D. is an Emeritus Research Associate Professor in the Division of Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri. Dr. Bruhn has studied forest health for over 40 years, watching the effects of climate change unfold and intensify. Johann is also a Climate Leader with the Climate Reality Project, a founding member of the Columbia chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, and a Climate Voice with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). Carolyn Amparan is a Climate Leader with the Climate Reality Project, a founding member of the Columbia Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, Chair of the Executive Committee of the Osage Group of the Sierra Club, and Vice Chair of the Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club. Carolyn has taken coursework on the science of climate change and has invested the past 3 years in educating others about the risks and the solutions. Prior to this she enjoyed a career in information technology in various technical, sales and marketing positions for AT&T and IBM. George Laur retired as the director of publishing for MU Extension and Agricultural Information in 2013. Following a 40-year career in journalism and communication, he organized the launch of Citizens Climate Lobby’s Columbia and Jefferson City chapters in September 2013 and serves as the leader for both groups. George grew up on a farm in northwest Missouri and is especially concerned about the challenges farmers will face in Missouri and around the world unless the United States joins all nations in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Schedule of Presentations Sept. 23 (Wed.) : Overview - The Greenhouse Effect and Greenhouse Gases (JNB, CA) Sept. 30 (Wed.) : Effects on oceans (JNB) Oct. 7 (Wed.) : Effects on Fresh Water Systems (JNB) Oct. 14 (Wed.) : Effects on Forests (JNB) Oct. 21 (Wed.) : Effects on Agriculture (GL, JNB) Oct. 28 (Wed.) : Effects on Global International Stability (JNB) Nov. 4 (Wed.) : Effects on Public Health (CA, JNB) Nov. 11 (Wed.) : Solutions: Alternative Energy Sources (CA, JNB) Nov. 18 (Wed.) : Solutions: Divestment from Fossil Fuels (MEAC, JNB) Dec. 9 (Wed.) : Solutions and Wrap-up : Putting a Price on Carbon (GL, JNB) All sessions begin at 7:00 p.m. in 200 Waters Hall on MU’s campus