On the next WorldCanvass, we’ll bring together members of the scientific research community, political leaders, and entrepreneurs to consider the topic of climate change and how it’s evolved in both scientific understanding and public discourse over the past twenty-five years.  The WorldCanvass discussion will take place at 5 p.m., October 13, at FilmScene in downtown Iowa City and is free and open to the public. 

Iowa’s Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research (CGRER) was established in 1990 by the State Board of Regents as a state-funded institute devoted to studying and bettering our environment.  The co-founders and co-directors of CGRER, Jerry Schnoor and Greg Carmichael of the University of Iowa College of Engineering, will discuss the creation and subsequent development of CGRER.  Joining the conversation for a closer look at Iowa’s climate change initiatives and the politics of climate change will be U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack, Iowa State Senator Joe Bolkcom, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, David Osterberg from the UI College of Public Health, and solar energy entrepreneur Tim Dwight.

The Evolution of Climate Change: 25 Years and Counting

Part 1--5:00-5:25
Climate change: science and the public interest

Jerry Schnoor--UI professor of civil and environmental engineering; co-director of the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research

Greg Carmichael--UI professor of chemical and biochemical engineering; co-director of the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research

Part 2—5:30-5:55
Iowa and climate change

Jerry Schnoor--UI professor of civil and environmental engineering; co-director of the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research

David Osterberg--UI professor of occupational and environmental health, College of Public Health

Tim Dwight— president, iPowerCorp; president, Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association

Part 3--6:00-6:25
The politics of climate change

Dave Loebsack—U.S. congressman, representing Iowa’s second congressional district

Joe Bolkcom—Iowa state senator, representing Iowa City, University Heights, East Lucas Township, and the city of Hills

Frank Cownie--mayor of Des Moines, Iowa

The program, which is produced by UI International Programs and takes place at Iowa City’s non-profit cinema arts organization FilmScene, 118 East College Street, is free and open to the public.  Concessions will be available for purchase and audience members are invited to enjoy a social hour from 4:00-5:00 p.m. preceding the show. 

WorldCanvass is recorded before a live audience for later broadcast on UITV, YouTube, iTunes, and the Public Radio Exchange. Podcasts can be downloaded for free from iTunes and past programs are available through IP’s website.

WorldCanvass is a production of UI International Programs in collaboration with FilmScene and University of Iowa Video Services. For more information on WorldCanvass, contact Joan Kjaer at joan-kjaer@uiowa.edu or visit the WorldCanvass webpage.