UWSP to host first climate-change forum

From an article by Patrick Thornton in the Wausau Daily Herald:

STEVENS POINT -- Some of the smartest minds in Wisconsin will be at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in December to craft a response to the threat of global climate change.

Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton organized the forum as part of the state's Green Economy Agenda and said it's the first of its kind in the country. Elected officials, researchers, business professionals, environmentalists, educators and others are invited to share what currently is being done to combat climate change and to formulate a long-term strategy for Wisconsin, Lawton said.

She envisions different regions in the state forming their own action plans.

"The challenges (of global climate change) vary throughout the state," she said. "It's a different ballgame in Superior than in Kenosha."

Education on climate change will be the first component of the conference. Terry Tamminen, an author and former adviser on environmental issues to the governor of California, and Doug Scott, the director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, will provide keynote addresses. In addition, the group will tour green buildings and businesses that use sustainable energy in the Stevens Point area.