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Climate Change Conference

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Climate Change Conference

Feeding a Changing World: Climate Change and Global Food Systems

March 14–15, 2024

Climate change poses a growing threat to global food security. Loyola University Chicago’s 2024 Climate Change Conference will convene experts from multiple disciplines to explore how climate change impacts global food security. Speakers will discuss strategies for developing equitable, resilient, and sustainable food systems.

The conference draws inspiration from Loyola’s enduring Jesuit values of social justice, service to humanity, and care for our world. The event aims to advance our understanding of the climate crisis, foster discussion around practical solutions, and inspire action for a more just and sustainable world. The two-day event will include a keynote presentation, panel discussions, a poster session, and an exhibitor hall. All events will take place in person at the Damen Student Center on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus. There will also be an online option for the keynote presentation.

Keynote Presentation

Keynote by Amanda Little, author of The Fate of Food: What We'll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World

Thursday, March 14, 6 pm–8 pm
Sister Jean Multipurpose Room, North and South
View the Recorded Presentation

The Climate Change Conference kicks off on Thursday, March 14, with a keynote presentation by Amanda Little, Bloomberg columnist and professor of journalism and science writing at Vanderbilt University. She is the author of the bestseller The Fate of Food: What We'll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World, a five-year adventure into the lands, minds, and machines shaping the future of sustainable food. 

Panel Discussions

Friday, March 15, 9 am–3:30 pm
Sister Jean Multipurpose Room North

Check back for video recordings of the panel discussions. 

The Impacts of Climate Change on Global Food Security
9 am10:30 am
This panel will address critical questions about how climate change will impact global food production, including how extreme weather events related to climate change could impact traditional agricultural practices. The panel will discuss what climate projections for the 21st century tell us about risks to food security globally and which regions will feel the most significant impact.

Climate Change and Food Production in the Midwest
11 am–12:30 pm
This panel will explore climate predictions for the Great Lakes states and the Midwest and the potential impacts on regional food production. Panelists will discuss strategies for developing a more resilient and sustainable food system, exploring approaches such as climate-smart agriculture and regenerative land management.   

Climate Change and Food Justice 
2 pm3:30 pm
This session will address the need to build local and equitable food systems that ensure everyone can procure and grow healthy, sustainable produced food. Panelists will discuss what communities, organizations, and individuals are doing to address these issues in the Chicagoland region. 

Exhibit Hall 

Friday, March 15, 10 am–5 pm
Sister Jean Multipurpose Room South
 

The exhibit hall will feature local organizations focused on climate change, environmental sustainability, sustainable food, and food security. Visit the exhibitor tables to talk with representatives of student organizations, nonprofits, and businesses making a difference in the Chicago area. Discover groups advancing sustainable and equitable food systems, and find out how you can get involved. 

Poster Session and Reception

Friday, March 15, 3:30 pm–5 pm
Sister Jean Multipurpose Room South

The poster session provides an opportunity for researchers to share work on topics related to environmental sustainability, climate change, and sustainable food systems. The session will take place in conjunction with a reception. Stop by to enjoy refreshments, learn about new research, and network with other conference participants.

Sponsors, Partners, and Supporters


Sponsors

Keynote Sponsor

The keynote lecture is presented as part of the Ann F. Baum Speaker Series in partnership with the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership.

Friends of the Conference

Beans & Bagels
Consulate General of Canada in Chicago
The School for Field Studies

Loyola University Chicago Partners

We are grateful for the partnership of the following units within Loyola University Chicago.

Center for Urban Research and Learning
Center for Science and Math Education
Department of Fine and Performing Arts 
Gannon Center for Women and Leadership
Hank Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Office of Neighborhood Initiatives
University Marketing and Communication

Become a conference sponsor or make a donation.

Past Conferences

Our climate change conferences are always the highlight of our academic year. Past speakers have included renowned scientists, community activists, and leaders in government, nonprofits, education, religion, and other fields.

Read More

March 14–15, 2024

Climate change poses a growing threat to global food security. Loyola University Chicago’s 2024 Climate Change Conference will convene experts from multiple disciplines to explore how climate change impacts global food security. Speakers will discuss strategies for developing equitable, resilient, and sustainable food systems.

The conference draws inspiration from Loyola’s enduring Jesuit values of social justice, service to humanity, and care for our world. The event aims to advance our understanding of the climate crisis, foster discussion around practical solutions, and inspire action for a more just and sustainable world. The two-day event will include a keynote presentation, panel discussions, a poster session, and an exhibitor hall. All events will take place in person at the Damen Student Center on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus. There will also be an online option for the keynote presentation.

Keynote Presentation

Keynote by Amanda Little, author of The Fate of Food: What We'll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World

Thursday, March 14, 6 pm–8 pm
Sister Jean Multipurpose Room, North and South
View the Recorded Presentation

The Climate Change Conference kicks off on Thursday, March 14, with a keynote presentation by Amanda Little, Bloomberg columnist and professor of journalism and science writing at Vanderbilt University. She is the author of the bestseller The Fate of Food: What We'll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World, a five-year adventure into the lands, minds, and machines shaping the future of sustainable food. 

Panel Discussions

Friday, March 15, 9 am–3:30 pm
Sister Jean Multipurpose Room North

Check back for video recordings of the panel discussions. 

The Impacts of Climate Change on Global Food Security
9 am10:30 am
This panel will address critical questions about how climate change will impact global food production, including how extreme weather events related to climate change could impact traditional agricultural practices. The panel will discuss what climate projections for the 21st century tell us about risks to food security globally and which regions will feel the most significant impact.

Climate Change and Food Production in the Midwest
11 am–12:30 pm
This panel will explore climate predictions for the Great Lakes states and the Midwest and the potential impacts on regional food production. Panelists will discuss strategies for developing a more resilient and sustainable food system, exploring approaches such as climate-smart agriculture and regenerative land management.   

Climate Change and Food Justice 
2 pm3:30 pm
This session will address the need to build local and equitable food systems that ensure everyone can procure and grow healthy, sustainable produced food. Panelists will discuss what communities, organizations, and individuals are doing to address these issues in the Chicagoland region. 

Exhibit Hall 

Friday, March 15, 10 am–5 pm
Sister Jean Multipurpose Room South
 

The exhibit hall will feature local organizations focused on climate change, environmental sustainability, sustainable food, and food security. Visit the exhibitor tables to talk with representatives of student organizations, nonprofits, and businesses making a difference in the Chicago area. Discover groups advancing sustainable and equitable food systems, and find out how you can get involved. 

Poster Session and Reception

Friday, March 15, 3:30 pm–5 pm
Sister Jean Multipurpose Room South

The poster session provides an opportunity for researchers to share work on topics related to environmental sustainability, climate change, and sustainable food systems. The session will take place in conjunction with a reception. Stop by to enjoy refreshments, learn about new research, and network with other conference participants.

Sponsors, Partners, and Supporters


Sponsors

Keynote Sponsor

The keynote lecture is presented as part of the Ann F. Baum Speaker Series in partnership with the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership.

Friends of the Conference

Beans & Bagels
Consulate General of Canada in Chicago
The School for Field Studies

Loyola University Chicago Partners

We are grateful for the partnership of the following units within Loyola University Chicago.

Center for Urban Research and Learning
Center for Science and Math Education
Department of Fine and Performing Arts 
Gannon Center for Women and Leadership
Hank Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Office of Neighborhood Initiatives
University Marketing and Communication