UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will host the 2024 Climate Solutions Symposium on May 14 and 15 at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. Organized by the Penn State Climate Consortium, this year’s two-day event will provide an immersive exploration of climate research and solutions. It will feature multiple opportunities to learn about the latest climate research from Penn State's renowned faculty; network with peers from across the globe; and explore innovative solutions for mitigating, adapting to and building resilience against climate change. Additionally, the symposium will offer time to forge partnerships with researchers, educators and practitioners dedicated to addressing climate change through innovation, education and engagement.
The symposium will include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, lightning talks, a poster session and an artwork engagement area. This year’s event is open to the public, and there is no cost to attend. Registration will be available in early 2024.
To increase participation and engagement, Penn State faculty and staff are invited to propose climate-related breakout sessions that they would like to convene and lead. Individuals from all disciplines are welcome to propose sessions related to the Climate Consortium's 10 themes, and interdisciplinary topics are encouraged.
“The theme of this year’s symposium is ‘New Partnerships for People and the Planet,’” said Erica Smithwick, director of the Climate Consortium and chair of the symposium, as well as distinguished professor of geography at Penn State. “One of the goals of this event is to bring people together to stimulate projects and partnerships where Penn State’s interdisciplinary research strengths can inform and transform climate solutions.”
In addition to the main symposium, there will be an optional pre-symposium workshop on May 13. The purpose for the workshop is to gather teams of researchers that are working on Climate Solutions Accelerator project proposals or other promising climate-related projects. The workshop will provide dedicated time and space for discussion, collaboration and idea advancement.
The Climate Solutions Symposium provides a unique view into Penn State’s strength in climate science and solutions, highlighting the University’s vast collection of expertise in a wide range of climate-relevant disciplines. It also is a deliberate effort to promote networking and discussion to facilitate the development of new partnerships and projects aimed at addressing climate change.
Additionally, calls for posters and lightning talks will be announced in early 2024.