This post was written by guest blogger, Lauren Fosbenner, Community Fellow in the Environmental Policy Design Master’s program at Lehigh University.

Nurture Nature Center is currently filled with dramatic images of the effects of climate change in Alaska and around the world as portrayed by the Alaskan Journey: Artists Bear Witness to Climate Change art exhibit and Let’s Explore 360 virtual reality film. These visual displays tell a powerful global story that has direct implications for human and environmental wellbeing right here in the Lehigh Valley.

While Alaska is warming faster than any other state, impacts of climate change are being felt everywhere. In Easton, for example, the average number of days that the temperature is 90℉ or above has increased from 13 days in 1985 to 18 this year, and could be 40 days or more per year by 2065. It is important that we have conversations as a community to explore what the local effects will be and how our region is adapting and innovating to meet challenges posed by climate change.

Area residents have the chance to learn about and discuss just that at the Northampton County Climate Summit on May 15th. Presenters from Rutgers University, Lehigh University, and iSpring Associates sustainability consulting firm will cover the economic, environmental, and health impacts of climate change in Northampton County as well as strategies for a sustainable future. This is a great opportunity to learn what the effects of climate change could be for you and to meet others in the area who are passionate about building a thriving, climate resilient region.

The Northampton County Climate Summit will be held on Wednesday May 15, 8:30am-11:30am in Lehigh University’s Iacocca Conference Center, Wood Dining Room, 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Refreshments will be provided. You can register for free at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northampton-county-climate-summit-tickets-58373068419.