URBANA, Ill. - Global climate change is a serious threat facing the state of Illinois. Local governments play an integral role in mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and crafting policy to develop ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable communities, according to a University of Illinois Extension community and economic development educator.
The Local Government Education and Information Network, in association with the U of I Extension local government education committee, will sponsor an educational series addressing these and other climate change issues.
“The programming series is designed to provide local government officials both background information on emerging policies and best practices at work in communities throughout the Midwest,” said Aimee Ingalls.
In each session, a diverse group of environmental policy experts will explore approaches to:
Generate revenue by reducing emissions
Incorporate successful programs and policies into sustainability plans
Implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures
Utilize green infrastructure to ensure healthier ecosystems and safer communities
Local government officials, cities, villages, county boards, and townships should plan to participate. Educators who teach policy and government may also be interested in the discussions.
Dates, topics, and speakers for the sessions include:
Jan. 13 - U.S. clean power plan provides opportunity for significant cuts in budget deficits; Don Fullerton, Public Finance and Environmental Policy, Institute for Government and Public Affairs, U of I
Feb. 17 - The greenest region compact; Edith Makra, The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
March 10 - Case studies in municipal energy conservation; Andy Robinson and Todd Rusk, Smart Energy Design Assistance Center, U of I
April 14 - Green infrastructure and stormwater management; Eliana Brown and Lisa Merrifield, Illinois-Indiana SeaGrant
For more information contact Corey Buttry at buttry2@illinois.edu, or 217.244.2430, or visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lgien/ to register.
ACES ACES News Advancement Crop Sciences Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Agriculture Aimee Ingalls 815-842-1776 aingalls@illinois.edu https://shared.aces.illinois.edu/sites/shared.aces.illinois.edu/files/news/webinar%20keys_11.jpg https://shared.aces.illinois.edu/sites/shared.aces.illinois.edu/files/news/wind%20turbine%20in%20field.jpg Monday, April 13, 2015 Agriculture 117 Stephanie Henry