Climate Change: denial, policy and solutions discussed

On the theory that many good conversations begin with a beer in hand, Science on Tap and Pateros Creek Brewing Company hosted a climate change discussion at the brewery in Fort Collins on Nov. 16. Organized by Anna McDevitt, global warming solutions campaign organizer for Environment Colorado, more than 60 people attended. Social psychologist Brittany Bloodhart opened the event by describing ways in which human beings respond to various styles of communication regarding beliefs and behaviors around climate change.

Cassie Flynn, climate change adviser to the United Nations, spoke to the group from New York via Skype detailing the complexities of working with nations around the world to facilitate climate change as the Paris global climate change conference approaches. The goal of the two-week conference is to commit every participating nation to agree to enforcing a set of protocols established at the conference. Differences in the size, economic and development status of the nations make this a challenging undertaking according to Flynn. She took a number of questions from a responsive audience.

State Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins, brought climate change issues to the local level describing Colorado’s clean energy climate policy as the strongest in the United States.

Anna McDevitt talked about Environment Colorado’s global solutions campaign for Colorado and encouraged the audience to pull out their cell phones and call U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s office on the spot to show their appreciation for his support of the campaign.

Informality and the opportunity to refill your beer glass at any time made for an atmosphere conducive to serious yet lively discussion.