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Join us for the Climate Careers Symposium series to explore how climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic will impact careers.

The potential impacts of climate change and the correlated rise in the occurrence and severity of extreme weather present both challenges and opportunities for creative thought across almost all occupations and enterprises.  Whether in the public, private or non-profit sector, the future workforce will be confronted by the imperative to react to a changing planet by developing new modes of energy generation and consumption, new manufacturing technologies and new patterns of land use and agriculture, all without denying future generations the ability to sustain socially equitable livelihoods. 

Every enterprise will need to understand the risks posed by climate change, as well as the possibilities for developing a response. The political, social and financial capital of the next generations may provide the conditions necessary for government action as well as the motivation for environmental entrepreneurs to focus on the particular enterprise investments necessary for the transition to a “decarbonized” society.

About the Series

The School of Professional Studies is convening a series of talks and panels offering diverse perspectives on the ways in which the careers of the future will be influenced by global-scale challenges. The first session will explore the impact of a changing climate on the shifting landscape for careers in urban planning, public health and social equity. Visit sps.columbia.edu/climate-careers-symposium.

Introduction: Steven Cohen, Ph.D. (Senior Vice Dean, School of Professional Studies; Professor in the Practice of Public Affairs, School of International and Public Affairs)

Keynote Speaker: Sir Alex Halliday, Ph.D. (Director, Earth Institute)

Panel Discussion moderated by Arthur Lerner-Lam, Ph.D. (Academic Director, M.S. in Sustainability Science Program, School of Professional Studies; Deputy Director, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), The Earth Institute)

Panel Discussions and Guest Speakers

Planetary Health: Radley Horton, Ph.D. (Lamont Research Professor, Lamont- Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), The Earth Institute)

Sustainable Urbanization: Patrick Askew, M.B.A. (Lecturer M.S in Construction Administration Program, School of Professional Studies; Executive Vice President, McKissack & McKissack; Deputy Director, New JFK Terminal One Project)

Health and Well-Being: Robert Klitzman, M.D. (Academic Director, M.S. in Bioethics Program, School of Professional Studies; Professor of Psychiatry (in Sociomedical Sciences), Columbia University Medical Center)

Access, Justice & Equality: Cindy Lott, Esq. (Academic Director, M.S. Nonprofit Management, School of Professional Studies)

Q&A moderated by Beth Fisher-Yoshida, Ph.D. (Academic Director, M.S. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution; Vice Chair of Faculty, School of Professional Studies)

Summary Discussion: Arthur Lerner-Lam, Ph.D.

For questions, please contact Beth Semaya, Ph.D. at bag14 [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (bag14[at]columbia[dot]edu).

For additional information about program offerings at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 212-854-9666 or inquire [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (inquire[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu).

Click on speaker profiles for more information.

Speakers