Free and open to the public. Please use the museum’s 7th Avenue entrance.

This program is entitled “Weather, Climate Variability, and Climate Change.” Alaska is often referred to as the canary in the coalmine for climate change—or rather, ground zero for predicting the direction and impacts of climate change. How can current and historical records help us better understand the differences between these terms, the roots of climate change as seen in Alaska, and what we may see in the future?

The program will feature four panelists: Rick Thoman, Ken Tape, Jackie Qataliña Schaeffer, and Molly McCammon.

The panel will discuss the topic at hand and take questions from both a live and on-line audience. Students will be encouraged to participate.

This is the last of a four-lecture and panel series about major public policy issues facing Alaska. The sessions, scheduled at the Anchorage Museum, are designed to combat the often-willful distortion of history and create a more productive environment in which to arrive at sound public policy.

The Alaska Historical Society is Alaska’s largest statewide organization dedicated to the informed exchange of ideas through a factual appreciation of Alaska’s history. It is partnering with the Cook Inlet Historical Society and the Anchorage Museum on the series. The Atwood Foundation has provided a generous grant to cover costs. Other supporting organizations include the League of Women Voters and OLE!, an Anchorage-based nonprofit which offers educational classes.

Also, join us on Monday April 22 at 4:00 p.m. for a debrief and further discussion on the topic Weather, Climate Variability, and Climate Change. This is a joint OLE! and AHS event. Here is the link for the April 22 followup exchange:

FOLLOW UP ZOOM, ADDRESS ON APRIL 22-- www.tinyurl.com/FollowupExchange-4

Rick Thoman is a climate specialist with the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the lead author of the 2023 Arctic Report Card.

Ken Tape is a climate change specialist and research associate professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Jackie Qataliña Schaeffer is the director of climate initiatives for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.

Moderated by Molly McCammon, an Alaska Historical Society board member and senior advisor at Alaska Ocean Observing System.

AHS & CIHS Present: Alaska: The Canary in the Coal Mine for Climate Change