What can Kansas City expect and how can it become more resilient as the climate continues to change, bringing stronger storms and higher temperatures that can result in a mix of drought and flooding?
The Kansas Natural Resource Council (KRNC) will host three environmental experts to discuss these issues at its 16th annual Community Forum on Kansas Environmental Issues. The presentation, Crisis in Cowtown? Coping with Climate Change, will look at local climate change projections through 2050.
The forum will be held from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 5. The speakers include:
• Tom Jacobs, director of environmental programs at the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). He will present findings from recent studies focused on local climate and the Regional Strategy for Climate Resilience, which was adopted by the MARC Board of Directors in June, 2017.
• Lara Isch, Kansas City Water Services quality educator. She is responsible for implementation of water quality education and outreach for the Wastewater and Stormwater Utilities. She administers the Journey of Stormwater curriculum and serves as co-chair of the MARC Water Quality Education Committee.
• Lougene Marsh, director of Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. She will discuss potential climate change health risks for area residents. Marsh is the former director of Lyon County Health Department/Flint Hills Community Health Center.
The forum will be held at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS. A $20 fee ($10 for students) includes a reception hosted by Broadmoor Bistro from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. Reservations are due September 29 either by registering online at KNRC or by mailing a check payable to KNRC to 12408 W.126th St, Overland Park KS 66213.
The event is co-sponsored with Council Sierra Club Kansas Chapter and the Johnson County Environmental Advocates. For more information, contact: Thomas O’Brien, JOCO Environmental Advocates, 913-203-5160.
Photo: Mid-America Regional Council
