Saturday, December 1
WVU College of Law
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Morgantown, WV
Conference attendees will hear and discuss presentations from experts about recent climate change developments, issues, and best practices. Topics include climate communication, controlling methane emissions and putting a price on carbon.
AgendaSpeakers
Webcast: Morning Panels
Webcast: Keynote - Live Only
Webcast: Afternoon Panels
Climate Change Communication
Families and communities want to talk honestly about their climate future. Students and teachers want to learn and teach about climate science and policy choices. Businesses want to encourage customers to make climate-friendly choices. Advocates want to build political support for climate solutions. Political leaders and constituents want to communicate about climate issues. Expert presenters and group discussion will examine what we know and don’t yet know about climate communication – and how we can discover and implement the knowledge we need.
Controlling Methane Emissions
Experts agree on the importance of controlling atmospheric methane emissions from natural gas leakage. The World Resources Institute estimates that limiting methane leakage to one percent or less of total natural gas production will ensure that natural gas is less climate-intensive than substitutes such as coal, diesel fuel, and gasoline and can provide immediate and permanent climate benefits. Citizens, scientists, public agencies and businesses must play an informed role in controlling natural gas emissions. Expert presenters and group discussion will address the technical, legal, financial, regulatory and political aspects of this important issue.
Putting a Price on Carbon
Bipartisan efforts recently enacted a substantial federal tax credit for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (“CCUS”) – creating a potentially transformative market-based financial incentive for technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bipartisan groups are also supporting revenue-neutral carbon “fee and dividend” plans that would reduce carbon pollution and return the proceeds to citizens. Expert presenters and group discussion will address using financial incentives and market-based systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Obstacles and Opportunities for Solar Energy
Incentives and opportunities are growing for commercial-scale solar energy projects in former coal mining areas in Appalachia. Jobs, environmental reclamation, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions are the benefits - but what are the obstacles, and how can they be overcome? Experts will discuss how communities, political leaders, and regulators can seize this opportunity for the long-term benefit of the region and the climate.
Keynote Speaker - Emily Calandrelli
Emily Calandrelli is an Emmy-nominated science TV host, featured as a correspondent on “Bill Nye Saves the World,” and an Executive Producer and host of FOX's “Xploration Outer Space,” which airs in 100 million households each week. She is an inspiring speaker on the need for science-driven education and policy to meet the challenge of climate change.
Calandrelli is a Morgantown, West Virginia, native who uses the professional nickname, "The Space Gal.” She has a B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from West Virginia University, and a Masters' degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics and in Technology and Policy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.