Image

Leading researchers, practitioners and policymakers will examine climate resilience, sustainable finance and green economic development in three talks this spring as part of the Sustainable Solutions Lectures (SSL) series hosted by the School of Earth and Sustainability with the support of the School of Public Policy.

In its second year, the series seeks to promote research collaborations across the UMass system and beyond, creating a forum where academia and the public and private sectors can develop strategies to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. All are invited to attend.

“Through the SSL series, we are reaching out to global leaders and bringing their insights home to our faculty and students. This connection helps us build a collective capacity to solve complex problems using data, new tools and interdisciplinary collaboration,” says Rob DeConto, director of the School of Earth and Sustainability and provost professor of Earth, geographic and climate sciences. “The School of Earth and Sustainability has been a founding partner since the beginning because we believe in the power of engaging our entire university community in the search for sustainable solutions that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact.”

Event details and registration are available at the following links:

• Innovative Finance for Nature-Based Solutions: Insights from the NATURANCE Project
  Wednesday, April 22, noon; via Zoom
  This session will explore how financial tools, insurance frameworks and policy strategies can scale nature-based solutions to address climate risks.
   
• Coastal Resilience, Offshore Wind, and Nature-Positive Solutions
  Friday, May 1, 1 p.m.; Hybrid format, at the UMass Club in Boston and online
  This panel will examine how offshore wind infrastructure can support both clean energy generation and marine ecosystem restoration.
   
• Green Growth and Resilience in Massachusetts
  Thursday, June 11, 1 p.m.; Hybrid format, at the UMass Club in Boston and online
  This briefing will present findings from multi-year research on climate resilience and green economic development across Massachusetts municipalities. 

The events build on strong participation from last spring’s inaugural program, which drew hundreds of attendees for discussions on sustainability and resilience.

The series is supported by partners across the five UMass campuses, as well as research centers and international collaborators. The initiative continues to expand its network of universities, government agencies and organizations working to address global sustainability challenges.

Recordings of all lectures will be made available on the School of Earth and Sustainability’s YouTube channel. Those seeking more information about the upcoming talks can contact Marta Vicarelli, assistant professor of economics and public policy, at [email protected].