By Sally Stovall

As world leaders gather in Bonn, Germany, for the first UN Climate Change Conference since the Trump Administration pulled the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement, it is clear from the surge of climate change conferences and events in the Chicago region that cities and local government entities, universities, community organizations and businesses are moving forward to take action on climate change and to activate their constituencies to do the same.

Looking for ways for you, your family or your business can get involved in local climate change fighting efforts? Here are some recent and upcoming events. Attend one and let us know what you learned, or tag us on social media:

RECENT EVENTS

Shifting Climate, Shifting Mindsets: A Chicago Wilderness Climate Action Workshop on Monday, Nov. 6, at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Participants gathered to hear about current climate-related efforts to increase the region's health and resiliency for people and nature, and worked together to find specific areas of collaboration to move climate action forward in the near-term.

Climate Science and Action: Presentation with keynote speaker, Dr. Donald Wuebbles, Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Illinois and one of the coordinating lead authors of the recently released Climate Science Special Report. Tuesday, Nov. 7, at College of Lake County in Grayslake.

FUTURE EVENTS

The 2017 Northwestern Climate Change Symposium hosted by The Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern on November 9 and 10. The Symposium focuses on fostering dialogue among leaders in science, business, and public policy. Climate change is a global challenge that is not constrained by borders between nations or fields of study. Effective solutions require unprecedented communication and collaboration across disciplines.

Chicago Community Climate Forum: a gathering of civic leaders and engaged residents focused on building strong communities and taking action on climate change in Chicago and the surrounding region. From 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, hosted by the Field Museum and supported by 20+ state and local sustainability and justice organizations, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, in Chicago. Details coming soon.

A Climate Summit: December 4 and 5, hosted by the City of Chicago and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy will bring together mayors from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico to outline each city’s respective commitments to the Paris Climate Accord through new programs and initiatives.

Save the date:OPRF Resilient Community Roundtable, 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at Oak Park Main Library.