.
Climate change is already having starkly disproportionate impacts on low-wealth communities and communities of color around the world. These inequities have led many communities to develop innovative solutions in partnership with researchers, government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector.
Metcalf Institute’s 24th Annual Public Lecture Series, June 14-18, will highlight community-focused research, journalism, and collaborations that are pointing the way toward just and equitable climate change solutions.
The Annual Public Lecture Series will be held virtually and all talks will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET.
Leeson Lecture
The Leeson Lecture, held this year on Wednesday, June 16, was established in 2019 thanks to the generous support of donors to honor Metcalf Institute’s longest serving Advisory Board member, Robert Leeson, Jr.
The Leeson Lecture, held this year on Wednesday, June 16, was established in 2019 thanks to the generous support of donors to honor Metcalf Institute’s longest serving Advisory Board member, Robert Leeson, Jr.
Monday, June 14
Sustainable Water Systems
View lecture video
Newsha K. Ajami, Stanford University
As climate change affects water availability and population and economic growth puts additional stress on our natural resources, we need innovative policies that can simultaneously benefit people, the planet, and the economy. Newsha Ajami will discuss a case study of how to approach the intersections of water scarcity, food, and energy equitably and sustainably.
Tuesday, June 15
Covering Climate Justice
View lecture video
Vann Newkirk II, The Atlantic
Mainstream journalism often struggles to explain and properly characterize the central inequalities of climate change. How can we make a better model, and what is our duty to frontline communities?
Wednesday, June 16
The Leeson Lecture
The Fight for Climate Change after COVID-19
View lecture video
Alice C. Hill, Council on Foreign Relations
As the world is transformed by COVID-19, what are the most promising climate adaptation and climate resilience strategies? Hill will bring together the latest ideas in law, national security, risk management, behavioral economics, and emergency management.
Thursday, June 17
Climate Change from the Streets
View lecture video
Michael Méndez, University of California
Méndez will tell a timely story of people, place, and power in the context of climate change and inequality, exploring the perspectives and influence that low-income people of color bring to their advocacy work on climate change.
Friday, June 18
Adenike Adeyeye
Union of Concerned Scientists
An Integrated Approach to Energy Justice
View lecture video
Energy poverty makes people vulnerable to utility shut-offs, which are especially dangerous with climate change-driven extreme weather events. Panelists will discuss these impacts and equitable solutions at the local, regional and national levels to expand clean energy security for all. This session will be moderated by Ezra David Romero, climate reporter at KQED and Metcalf Institute alumnus.