FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2013
Contact: Jason A. Smith, communications director, 608.263.1692 x21
Jennifer Smith, Academy Evenings director, 608.263.1692 x12
MADISON—Climate change poses a serious threat to our planet, and energy use is an important factor in contributing to the problem. While a majority of Americans—seven out of ten, according to research from Yale University—believe climate change is real, most have a difficult time understanding how it affects them personally, and what they can do about it.
In a free, public panel organized by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, three experts will discuss social and informational barriers to tackling climate change and energy-use issues. Panelists will also provide practical information on overcoming these hurdles and encouraging positive behavior change.
Entitled Barriers to Addressing Our Climate and Energy Challenges, this panel discussion takes place on Tuesday, March 5, at 7:00 pm in the lecture hall of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St. There will be time for audience questions. Reservations are encouraged, but not required; those interested in reserving seats (limit two, please) can do so by visiting the event’s online registration web page.
Barriers to Addressing Our Climate and Energy Challenges panelists are Kathy Kuntz, executive director of Cool Choices, a nonprofit that assists individuals, communities, and businesses achieve meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through voluntary action. Kuntz previously led Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program. Joining Kuntz are respected UW–Madison professors Sharon Dunwoody and Dietram Scheufele, both experts in how science is communicated to the public. Scheufele teaches in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Dunwoody in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
The panel is part of a larger initiative called Our Climate and Energy Future, undertaken by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters with support from the Sally Mead Hands Foundation. Through public forums such as this one, special coverage in the Academy’s quarterly magazine, a blog and other means, the Wisconsin Academy is fostering dialogue on key challenges facing Wisconsin and what we can do about them.
More information about other climate and energy events can be found by visiting the Wisconsin Academy website at wisconsinacademy.org or by calling (608) 263-1692.
About Academy Evenings
Academy Evening talks engage citizens in a wide variety of topics of public interest and feature leading thinkers, scholars, and artists from across Wisconsin and beyond. These free forums are intended to encourage participation in an intimate atmosphere that fosters discussion and builds community. The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters sponsors Academy Evenings regularly in Overture Center for the Arts in Madison and at other venues across the state. For more information on Academy Evenings, visit wisconsinacademy.org/talks.
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