Climate Intersections Conference agenda features the latest research and programming from across the North Central Region and beyond
The agenda is now out for the North Central Region Water Network’s Climate Intersections Conference July 12-14th in Duluth, Minnesota. The conference theme is “Taking Care of People, Water, and the Land” and will feature emergent research and key programming that can facilitate solutions for resilient and equitable agricultural systems, communities, and watersheds throughout the North Central Region and beyond.
The conference is a long-overdue and unique opportunity to gather in person with water, climate, and natural resource professionals from across the North Central region. Conversations will focus on how we, as professionals, connect with the communities in which we live and work and how we can foster equitable solutions to the ways climate change impacts our water, our work, and our way of life.
We are excited to host Kyle Whyte, a Professor of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, as our keynote speaker. Kyle is an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and will discuss Indigenous peoples and climate justice and the types of relationships needed to coordinate action to adapt and mitigate climate change.
On July 14th we will be joined by four panelists for our plenary on ‘Approaching climate change from all angles: Exploring climate mitigation and adaptation at different scales.’ The discussion will focus on how each of us can work to address climate change.
Concurrent session presentations will focus on solutions for creating resilient agricultural systems, helping communities adapt to extreme weather, and working in watersheds in times of change – regardless of scale.
The conference will also feature a cross-cutting symposium that will bridge all three conference tracks on the Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu, a collaborative effort that recently received the 2022 Minnesota Collaborative Adaptation Award and provides a framework to integrate Indigenous and traditional knowledge, culture, language, and history into the climate adaptation planning process.
It’s not just the program that will inspire attendees – the conference’s location on the shores of Lake Superior will too. We have negotiated the federal employee rate for all conference attendees at the Inn on Lake Superior, where you can take in the views of the Great Lake from your room window or the rooftop pool. The hotel also offers complimentary summer bike rentals and nightly smores on the lakeside patio each night, creating additional networking and socializing opportunities for attendees.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to get to know Duluth with a walking tour of downtown to see first-hand how the city is putting their Climate Action Work Plan into action. The 2-hour, multi-stop tour will take place on July 12th and start at the conference venue, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The $20 tour fee is separate from conference registration.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to make or strengthen connections that can lead to collaborations and increase the scope and impact of our work to take care of people, water, and the land. Be sure to register before June 11th to ensure you get the early registration rate!