Pathway to a Post-Global Warming Future: Presenting Climate Science with Inspiration, Not (Only) Fear

Many people, and especially young people, express despair when it comes to the topic of climate change, which is unsurprising given that the media often portrays our climate future as a choice between bleak and bleaker. But it doesn’t have to be that way, because if we understand the science behind global warming, then we can also see pathways to its solution. In this presentation, I’ll show you how I try to approach the topic “with inspiration, not (only) fear,” by providing simple ways to discuss global warming science, consequences, and solutions – and how these solutions could lead to a “post-global warming” future in which today’s young people will someday be able to speak of the threat of global warming in the past tense. I’ll focus in particular on the role that astronomy plays in our understanding of global warming, and on why this gives astronomers a unique opportunity to educate the public about this critical topic.

Speaker: Jeffery Bennett (CASA Colorado)

This event will be held in person and virtually. To stream the colloquium, please click the Webcast button above. The password is QDyWyw4yN83.

The goal of STScI Engineering and Technology Colloquia is to provide speakers for our community of the highest caliber from leading-edge engineering and technology disciplines and promote collaboration with professionals across the Institute. The steering committee invites speakers not only from conventional engineering disciplines, but from across business, academia, and government. Obtaining speakers with perspectives and knowledge that can enrich the understanding of our staff and simultaneously enhance their connections with other professionals across the nation is fundamental to ensuring STScI remains at the forefront of its mission.

Please direct questions or comments to seatc@stsci.edu. The 2025 committee members are Aasif Chanandin, Reena DeBerry, Melody Easton, Sherita Hanna, Aiden Kovacs, Donald McLean, Lauretta Nagel (Chair), Susan Reed, Michael Register, Justin Trammell.