The Kentucky Climate Consortium (KYCC) will host the inaugural 2024 Kentucky Climate Symposium from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26, at the University of Kentucky.

The event, taking place in Harris Ballroom of the Gatton Student Center, will bring together students, leading experts, researchers, policymakers and community members to share information and resources on climate change.

The symposium is designed as a collaborative conversation where participants can engage in meaningful discussions about climate challenges across the Commonwealth and build towards actionable solutions.

With Kentucky experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, from severe storms to extreme heat and flooding, the symposium aims to address these issues by encouraging innovative approaches to climate resilience.

“The symposium isn’t so much a starting point as it is a continuation — Kentuckians have been addressing climate issues for decades leading up to this event,” said Lauren Cagle, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies and director of Environmental and Sustainability Studies in the UK College of Arts and Sciences. “Additionally, tackling climate change requires everyone’s involvement, not just every individual, but also every field of expertise.”

Silas House, Kentuckian, award-winning author and Kentucky Poet Laureate, will deliver opening remarks. Other symposium highlights include:

• Keynote Address: Jerry Brotzge, Kentucky climatologist, will provide insights into global and regional climate trends and discuss the implications for Kentucky.

• Panel Discussions: Several panel discussions will be held throughout the day — covering a range of topics including, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, water resource management and the role of public health in climate adaptation.

• Research Presentations: The symposium will also showcase cutting-edge research from Kentucky-based institutions. Researchers will present their latest findings on climate change impacts in the state, with a focus on solutions that can be implemented at the community level.

• Workshops and Breakout Sessions: Interactive workshops and breakout sessions will allow participants to dive deeper into specific topics of interest. These sessions will provide hands-on opportunities to explore tools and strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation.

• Networking Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to connect with peers, build professional relationships and explore potential collaborations.

“Whether you are a student, educator, researcher, policymaker or even an engaged citizen, the symposium provides a unique platform to engage with leading experts and contribute to the conversation,” Cagle said. “By attending, you will gain valuable insights and discover opportunities to make a difference in your community.”

Registration for the inaugural 2024 Kentucky Climate Symposium is online at this link.

About the Kentucky Climate Consortium

KYCC acts as a catalyst for climate research and education in Kentucky by providing networking opportunities for Kentucky-based climate scholars and enabling them to leverage their expertise and passion to collaboratively pursue climate-related research, teaching and public outreach.