Speaker: Lee Anne Willson (ISU)

Title: The science behind climate change and mitigation strategies, with particular reference to the Ames Climate Action Plan

Abstract: On December 21, 2021, the Ames City Council voted on a goal for its Climate Action Plan: 83% reduction by 2030 and net-zero emission by 2050. After a quick review of the underlying physics of climate change, I will discuss the current status and options for mitigation on a global scale. Then I will focus on the vulnerabilities and opportunities specific to Ames, Story County, and Iowa. Finally, I will describe the process that Ames is going through to develop its climate action plan, and elements that this plan is likely to include. Some of the topics have been discussed in my blog, By the Numbers, and others will be developed there over the coming months: https://www.climateaction.org/By-the-Numbers

Short Bio: Lee Anne Willson is University Professor Emerita at Iowa State University; after 41 years in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, she retired from teaching in 2014. Her field of expertise is stellar and planetary atmospheres. She is currently using her scientific expertise and her experience serving on numerous boards, councils and committees for the purpose of supporting action for the preservation of Earth’s climates. She is affiliated with Ames Climate Action Team, an informal association of individuals working towards climate mitigation. As part of this group she has been involved in interviews with city and county leaders – city and county elected officials and staff, and other key individuals – to understand how decisions are made, and how rules and procedures and other priorities affect the outcome of decisions related to climate change.