An in-depth discussion on climate, plus a weekend roundup of news blurbs

By Robert A. Vella

Understanding the complexities and multifaceted aspects of global warming are challenging tasks for most people.  It certainly requires a lot of time and concentration.  That so many folks aren’t inclined towards such effort is completely understandable.  However, of all the serious issues facing us today, none is more consequential than anthropogenic climate change.  What we are recklessly doing to the environment which sustains us has become an immediate concern.  From extreme weather disasters, to sea level rise, to the spread of infectious disease, to freshwater shortages, to food insecurity, to social instability and international security threats, our rapidly changing climate is forcing us to confront a grave existential problem of our own making.

This weekend, C-SPAN is airing an in-depth discussion which addresses all these aspects of climate change and more.  The panel members are professional experts in a variety of fields including science, industry, politics, journalism, and issue advocacy.  It’s about 4 hours long.  Here are the links in three parts:

Johns Hopkins Climate Change Symposium, Part 1 – Johns Hopkins University held a day-long climate change symposium in Washington, DC. In this portion, National Museum of Natural History Director Kirk Johnson talked about his research into geologic and climate history and its relevance in studying the effects of climate change. After his presentation, he answered questions from the audience.

Johns Hopkins Climate Change Symposium, Part 2 – Johns Hopkins University held a day-long climate change symposium in Washington, DC. In this portion, a Washington Post editor moderated a panel discussion on ways leaders in different regions of the world were working to combat the effects of climate change and engage the public to care about extreme weather and other effects of a warming planet.

Johns Hopkins Climate Change Symposium, Part 3 – Johns Hopkins University held a day-long climate change symposium in Washington, DC. In this portion, a Washington Post editor moderated a panel discussion on ways to champion climate change action and the best practices to use for the future. In addition to wind and solar, hydrogen was heavily discussed.

Here is a roundup of news blurbs for the end of this week:

Judges declare Ohio’s congressional map unconstitutional

Florida Legislature approves bill requiring former felons to pay fines and fees before voting

‘I’m 57. How employable am I going to be?’ Nearly 1,400 autoworkers are about to lose their jobs [in Illinois]

Graham asks Mueller if he wants to testify on Barr call

F.B.I. Sent Investigator Posing as Assistant to Meet With Trump Aide in 2016

Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro abruptly cancels US visit after protests

Pig ‘ebola’ virus sends shock waves through global food chain

Tyson recalls additional 11.7 million pounds of chicken strips