Northfield to Host Climate Summit

Northfield is set to host a community conversation on climate change and its impact on Minnesota Jan. 18 in St. Olaf College's Buntrock Commons.

The Northfield Area Climate Summit will feature meteorologist Paul Douglas as the keynote speaker, according to a press release. His speech entitled “Climate Change: Natural Cycle or Troubling Trend?” will be followed by a panel discussion and breakout sessions led by nationally recognized scientists, as well as business and environmental leaders from the state and region. 

The discussion will also detail practical steps citizens, businesses and institutions can take to create a more sustainable future, the release said:

Summit participants may choose from discussion topics including the science of climate change; business perspectives on climate and energy; the impact of climate change on Minnesota’s economy; inter-faith perspectives and responses; climate, floods and storm water management; and practical solutions to climate change for individuals, businesses and institutions.

The Summit will provide plenty of time for questions and discussion, and an Action and Idea Fair with information from a wide range of local and regional groups on practical measures to address climate change and pursue energy efficiency.

Event sponsors include Environmental Studies and SustainAbilites of St. Olaf, Carleton College, All Solar Energy, the Rotary Club of Northfield, Bon Appetit Management Company and the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event is free and open to the public and runs from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Jan. 18. Buntrock Commons is located at 1520 St. Olaf Ave. in Northfield. For more information or to register, go to NorthfieldClimateSummit.org. Registration is required.

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