Cop 21 and Beyond
Presented by Dr. Chris King
View a PDF of PowerPoint Slides here
Description: Dr. Chris King (retired Brigadier General) discussed the way ahead based on the outcomes of the Climate Change Summit (COP 21) recently adjourned in Paris. The session will examine this topic by examining the data from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 5th Assessment Report and explain how the risks posed by climate change become threats to peace and security in the world.
Specifically, this session will evaluate the security threats posed by the current and predicted major impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, extreme heat, extreme weather events, water scarcity, and major destruction in the cryosphere. The session will conclude with a discussion of how the results of COP 21 must be implemented at a world scale to assure that the most positive future possible is achieved for all God’s People and all God’s Creation.
Bio: Dr. Chris King is a retired Brigadier General currently serving as Dean of the US Army Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth. He represents the US on an international military advisory council dealing with security and climate change. He is an authority on the impact that climate change, water scarcity, and other related environmental issues will have on National Security and International Stability.
In March 2013, he served as a panelist at Village Church’s Climate Change Forum. His most recent work includes an analysis of the defense implications of climate change published by Cambridge University, a presentation in Vienna at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and a paper presented at the preliminary diplomatic sessions to COP 21 held in the Hague in November.
Saving the Monarch Migration
Presented by Angie Babbit
View a PDF of PowerPoint Slides here
Description: Monarch Butterflies migrating to and from Mexico have experienced historic population declines over the last two years. Their amazing 2-way migration from Mexico to the upper U.S. and southern Canada is threatened by habitat loss.
Angie will explore the reasons for this decline and discuss how anyone–from the beginning flower gardener to the master naturalist–can help boost the monarch population.
Milkweed, the sole food source for monarch caterpillars, has several native varieties that can be both beautiful to the human visitor and vital habitat for monarchs. Angie will explain the benefits of growing the various species alongside nectar sources, and how the simple act of planting monarch habitat will have positive, cascading impacts.
Learn how to create an official Monarch Waystation and provide habitat for every life stage of the monarch butterfly. The Monarch Waystation program is in its 11th year, and there are over 12,000 certified gardens in North America. However, millions of acres of habitat are needed, and you can help.
Bio: Angie Babbit is the Communications Coordinator at Monarch Watch at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. She received her master’s degree in biology from Emporia State University, and her bachelor’s in environmental studies from the University of Kansas.
She is also an advocate for the conversion of lawns and gardens to native plantings. She handles much of the communications with the public about monarchs and milkweed at Monarch Watch.
