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Got Sea Level Rise Or Climate Questions? Here's Your Chance For Answers

In South Florida, most of us see sea-level rise as a long-term threat. But how long-term? Are we still going to be alive when things get bad?
JAYME GERSHEN/EVE MOSHER/FLICKR
In South Florida, most of us see sea-level rise as a long-term threat. But how long-term? Are we still going to be alive when things get bad?

Maybe you're wondering how bad the threat is.

Maybe you're curious if you're going to see serious sea-level rise in your lifetime.

Maybe you just want to know: Is climate change a real thing?

(Ninety-seven percent of scientists say yes, according to a study of NASA, NOAA and another dozen or so scientific agencies and organizations, most of which have released statements on the topic.) 

Whatever your question, an event this weekend and next gives you a chance to get an answer. The University of Miami and the non-profit CLEO Institute are co-hosting a two-day public symposium on climate change.

Participants will have the chance to hear from regional and national experts in a series of panels on climate change and sea-level rise -- and their potential solutions.

"Extreme weather events and crazy increases and decreases in temperature that we’ve been experiencing over the last few months... people are going to get to ask questions to these experts and scientists and get more information," said Natalia Arias, director of programs for CLEO. "It's definitely a topic that everybody needs to be aware of."

The first day of the symposium, this Saturday, Feb. 3, will focus on climate science. Professors from UM and Florida International University will join representatives from environment groups to discuss sea-level rise forecasts and the impacts of global warming.

The second day of the symposium, Saturday, Feb. 10, will center on climate change solutions. Topics include the role of renewable energy and what individuals and local governments can do to address climate challenges.

Both sessions are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will take place at the Cox Science Center at the University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146. Tickets are $30 for a single day and $50 for both days.

You can register here.

Copyright 2020 WLRN 91.3 FM. To see more, visit WLRN 91.3 FM.

Kate Stein can't quite explain what attracts her to South Florida. It's more than just the warm weather (although this Wisconsin native and Northwestern University graduate definitely appreciates the South Florida sunshine). It has a lot to do with being able to travel from the Everglades to Little Havana to Brickell without turning off 8th Street. It's also related to Stein's fantastic coworkers, whom she first got to know during a winter 2016 internship.Officially, Stein is WLRN's environment, data and transportation journalist. Privately, she uses her job as an excuse to rove around South Florida searching for stories à la Carl Hiaasen and Edna Buchanan. Regardless, Stein speaks Spanish and is always thrilled to run, explore and read.