In 2010, the Climate Change Initiative launched the Speakers Series.  Consisting of a set of in-depth panel discussions with experts in climate change science, public health, epidemiology, economics, adaptation, and other climate change-related issues, the Speakers Series facilitated interactive discussions with an audience of policymakers, advocates, and others about the effects of various aspects of climate change and climate change policy on communities of color, and served as an invaluable resource for policy ideas, technical information, and relationships.

The 2010 Speakers Series included:

Bridging 21st Century Energy Technologies with Essential Consumer Protections
December 10, 2010

In partnership with AARP, the Climate Change Initiative presented a multi-panel discussion at the National Press Club representing diverse perspectives on essential consumer protections needed for successful smart grid and smart meter technologies and energy affordability for the 50+ population.  Speakers highlighted the findings, best practices, and recommendations published collaboratively by AARP, NASUCA, NCLC, Consumers Union, and Public Citizen in a publication entitled The Need for Essential Consumer Protections: Smart Metering Proposals and the Move to Time-Based Pricing.

Critical Issues in Climate Change Symposium: Moving Forward on an Agenda to Combat Climate Change
October 26, 2010 

This event focused on federal transportation polity and its far reaching impact on the economy, climate and well-being of communities.  Participants discussed specific policy options for reforming federal transportation policy so that it helps ensure long-term, sustainable economic growth, energy security and environmental protection. 

Speakers included Mayor William D. Euille of Alexandria, VA; James Corless of Transportation for America; Joshua Schank, Ph.D. of the Bipartisan Policy Center; and Jim Tymon of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Transportation and Climate: A Path to Recovery and Economic Growth
September 17, 2010

Held in conjunction with the 2010 Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, this event attracted more than 400 leaders to discuss how climate change mitigation efforts can foster new technologies and job growth.  Keynote speakers included Dr. Warren M. Washington, Climate Scientist with the National Atmospheric Research and member of the Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change; Lisa Garcia, Esq., with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and, Joe Mendelson of the National Wildlife Federation.  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) sponsored the morning session and provided closing remarks.

Climate Change, Human Health and the Well-Being of Vulnerable Communities
July 27, 2010

The panel, moderated by Georges C. Benjamin, M.D., Executive Director of the American Public Health Association and member of the Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change, explored how children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and only coordination across disciplines will make it possible to limit the negative impact on their health and well-being.  The panelists included: Kimberly Thigpen Tart, Esq., National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; Mary H. Hayden, Ph.D., National Center for Atmospheric Research and member of the Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change; and Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, Children’s Environmental Health Network.

The Green Economy and Clean Energy: Implications from the Gulf Oil Spill
June 17, 2010

The panel discussion, moderated by Joint Center Visiting Scholar Michael K. Dorsey, Ph.D., featured Arjun Makhijani, Ph.D., President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, shed light on the potential for energy conservation in the U.S., as well as the current limitations placed on the growth of the green economy.  Daniel J. Weiss, Senior Fellow and Director of Climate Change with the Center for American Progress, presented his views regarding political barriers that threaten the expeditious implementation of clean energy policies.  Leslie G. Fields, Esq., of the Sierra Club and member of the Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change, illustrated the necessity to engage communities towards environmental justice efforts.