Spring Sustainable Solutions Lectures to Focus on Nature-Based Solutions, Resilience to Climate Change

Salt Marsh
February 20, 2025

Four experts from diverse backgrounds will explore innovative strategies to enhance resilience while promoting social, environmental and economic well-being as part of the UMass Sustainable Solutions Lectures series this spring. 

The series, which examines themes related to the 17 sustainable development goals developed by the United Nations, seeks to promote research collaborations across the UMass system and create a forum where academia and the public and private sectors can develop responses to development challenges ranging from rising sea levels to renewable energy. All are invited to attend.

Confirmed for this spring are:

  • March 5 - Carolyn Kousky, acting chief economist at the Environmental Defense Fund, will discuss climate risk management and policy approaches for increasing resilience. The lecture will be held online starting at noon. Register via Zoom.
     
  • March 6 - Michael Beck, director of the Center on Coastal Climate Resilience and AXA Chair in Coastal Resilience at the University of California Santa Cruz, will explore the natural defense benefits of coastal habitats and how to create openings for new investments in conservation and restoration. The talk will be held in person at UMass Boston and online beginning at noon. Register via Zoom.
     
  • April 9 - Timon McPhearson, professor of urban ecology and director of the Urban Systems Lab at the New School, will present his work on nature-based solutions for cities and their potential in enhancing social justice. The discussion will take place online starting at noon. Register via Zoom.
     
  • May 12 - Daniela Rizzi, senior expert for nature-based solutions, green infrastructure and biodiversity at Local Governments for Sustainability, will discuss her vision for a nature-positive economy. The talk will be held online beginning at 11 a.m. Register via Zoom.

The lecture series is supported by the School of Earth and Sustainability at UMass Amherst, the School of Public Policy at UMass Amherst, the School for the Environment at UMass Boston, the Sustainable Solutions Lab at UMass Boston, the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy at UMass Lowell and UMass Dartmouth.

Those seeking more information about the upcoming talks can contact Marta Vicarelli, assistant professor of economics and public policy, at @email.