Climate change symposium and workshop May 9 at VIU

Members of the public, high school and university students, and teachers are invited to attend a free symposium and workshop on climate change at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, Monday, May 9.

Entitled “Climate change – Communicating Across the Divides”, the free symposium and workshop is hosted by the Awareness of Climate Change through Education and Research (ACER) project.

“This event will focus on communicating climate change and examining the barriers to understanding and change,” says Erik Krogh, Co-Director of VIU’s Applied Environmental Research Laboratories.

The objectives of the event are to:

•?Promote scientific literacy on the issue of climate change;


•?Provide hands-on activities to support deeper learning and critical thinking;


•?Provide a forum for interactive discussions, particularly on the topic of communicating climate change.

Invited speakers will talk about the latest climate science, climate modeling, computer-aided learning tools and communicating the issue of climate change to diverse audiences. Workshops will include hands-on activities ranging from the use of digital learning objects, evidence based decision-making, CO2 measuring lab, and exhibits on energy conservation and agriculture.

So far, speakers include Nathan Gillett from Environment Canada, Jeremy Fyke from Andrew Weaver’s Climate lab at the University of Victoria, and Brian Martin from the King’s Centre for the Visualization of Science in Edmonton.

The symposium will be held on the Nanaimo campus of Vancouver Island University in the Arts & Science building (Bldg 355) 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Lunch is provided but pre-registration is required via email to ACER@VIU.ca.

The workshop and symposium are possible thanks to financial support from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Social Science and Humanities Research Council and from the BC Government’s Year of Science program. Year of Science also provided ACER with an additional $20,000 to host a series of presentations in remote communities in BC on the Science of Climate Change.

ACER is a nationally funded public outreach initiative lead by a dedicated interdisciplinary team of students and faculty at VIU to promote a greater understanding of the science and social implications of climate change. The group has delivered “An Introduction to the Science of Climate Change” to over 5000 high school students, teachers and the general public.

The presentation and associated hands-on activities promote scientific literacy with an emphasis on Earth observation, data evaluation and visualization, problem solving and critical thinking.

“It introduces the concept of risk assessment and provides the starting point for discussions on technical, sociological and political solutions,” says Krogh. “This program provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of this pressing environmental issue, promote relevant post-secondary programs and encourage careers in the sciences, engineering and humanities.”

ACER members will continue their outreach work this year visiting high schools and community groups in Prince George, Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii and other remote communities in northern Vancouver Island to give presentations.


“Our students are really excited about this opportunity and are grateful for the support from the BC Year of Science program, which allows them to extend the reach of this program,” says Krogh.

The Year of Science, which runs until the end of June, was established by the BC government to raise awareness and promote a passion for science in BC’s young people. According to the BC Government website, by the end of this decade, three quarters of all future jobs in BC will need some post-secondary education, and many of the most interesting and well-paying jobs will require a solid understanding of math, sciences, engineering and technologies.

For further information about VIU’s May 9 ACER symposium and workshops, contact Krogh at Erik.Krogh@viu.ca.

Visit www.viu.ca for more information about the Year of Science.