Climate Change Conference
The 2025 Loyola Climate Change Conference explored connections between climate and water resources.
Climate Change Conference
Shifting Waters: Water Security and the Emerging Water Crisis
Climate change has dramatic implications for the world's water resources. Loyola University Chicago's 2025 Climate Change Conference explored strategies for developing just solutions to the emerging water crisis. Speakers discussed how people are working to protect water resources on global, regional, and local levels.
View the presentations and explore the full event schedule below.
Keynote Event Featuring Peter Gleick
Peter Gleick, PhD, delivered the keynote address following an opening musical performance by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Gleick is a leading scientist, innovator, and communicator on water and climate issues. He co-founded the Pacific Institute in Oakland, California, an innovative, independent non-governmental research center creating and advancing solutions to the world's most pressing water challenges.
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Panel 1: Global Perspectives on Climate and Water
Panelists discussed how climate change impacts global water systems, adaptation strategies, and the management of water resources across national boundaries.
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Panel 2: Protecting Great Lakes Water Resources
This panel explored how climate change impacts the Great Lakes and how people can develop equitable strategies for conserving the region's natural resources.
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Panel 3: Local Solutions to Water Challenges
Presenters explored how local organizations are addressing water challenges in the Chicago region. Topics included urban flooding, green infrastructure for stormwater management, water infrastructure, and climate resilience.
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Panel Discussion: Celebrating Laudato Si’ at Ten
May 2025 marks the ten-year anniversary of Laudato ‘Si, Pope Francis’s encyclical calling on people to "care for our common home.” Hosted by Loyola’s Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, this panel discussion explored how institutions and faith communities have taken up this call, working to protect the health of the natural world and improve the wellbeing of society’s most vulnerable.
View the videoFull Conference Schedule
Additional conference programming included an exhibit hall, an art exhibit, a poster session, a film screening, and a panel and musical performance celebrating ten years of Laudato Si', Pope Francis's encyclical on climate and the environment.
Explore the detailed schedule with session information here.
LOYOLA PARTNERS
We are grateful for the partnership of the following units within Loyola University Chicago.
Lead Partner
The Climate Change Conference is presented as part of the Ann F. Baum Speaker Series in partnership with the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership.
Additional Partners
Department of Fine and Performing Arts
Center for Urban Research and Learning
College of Arts and Sciences
Hank Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage
School of Communication
University Libraries
University Marketing and Communication
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 MoreFull Conference Schedule
Additional conference programming included an exhibit hall, an art exhibit, a poster session, a film screening, and a panel and musical performance celebrating ten years of Laudato Si', Pope Francis's encyclical on climate and the environment.
Explore the detailed schedule with session information here.
LOYOLA PARTNERS
We are grateful for the partnership of the following units within Loyola University Chicago.
Lead Partner
The Climate Change Conference is presented as part of the Ann F. Baum Speaker Series in partnership with the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership.
Additional Partners
Department of Fine and Performing Arts
Center for Urban Research and Learning
College of Arts and Sciences
Hank Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage
School of Communication
University Libraries
University Marketing and Communication