I’m looking forward to traveling (biodiesel-powered) to St. Paul tomorrow, June 6th to participate in, and speak at, what should be an interesting conference. The conference, sponsored by the Minnesota Sustainable Communities Network, is designed to provide local elected officials, staff, and interested citizens with some of the tools that will be needed to prepare their home communities for changes associated with global warming and world energy market insecurity.
From the NextStep website:
“Preparing Your Community for Climate and Energy Change: Opportunities for Local Sustainability
Wednesday, June 6, 2007, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Continuing Education and Conference Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus | map and directions
A free conference for local elected officials, local government staff, and other community leaders.
- Learn about projected climate change impacts in Minnesota
- Track global energy trends that can impact communities
- Hear case studies from local governments
- Envision a positive lower-energy future
- Discuss how to overcome barriers to action
- Access resources for taking action at the community level
- Identify opportunities that have benefits now
- Receive valuable free printed resources
Why attend this conference?
Minnesota communities face serious challenges due to the interrelated issues of climate change and a projected decline in the global availability of fossil fuels — peak oil. This conference offers local community leaders and concerned citizens an opportunity to learn about the current situation and future projections regarding climate change and energy availability, the risk management implications, and what can be done to adapt to these trends. Examples from local governments that are taking action will be presented.
The conference will also include discussion about next steps and identifying barriers to change, as well as topic sessions to help communities consider opportunities related to energy, food, buildings, and other areas. Many of these actions for a lower-energy future are “no-regrets†strategies — useful regardless of how climate and energy trends unfold. They have benefits for communities now, and can increase our local quality of life and benefit the global environment.
Who should attend this conference?
- Local government elected officials, staff and volunteers
- Nonprofit organizations, including community and civic organizations and public interest groups
- Tribal governments
- State agencies
- Interested individuals”
Hope to see you there!