Climate Change Conference
Climate Change Conference
Shifting Waters: Water Security and the Emerging Water Crisis - March 12-15, 2025
Climate change has dramatic implications for the world's water resources. Communities worldwide face worsening droughts, more frequent flooding, and rising sea levels. Warmer waters harm aquatic ecosystems and damage fisheries, while more than half the world's population faces water security challenges. 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. The event also provided opportunities for participants to become part of the solution and positively impact people and the planet. View the schedule of events below.
Visit the SES YouTube channel to view recordings of the Thursday keynote event and the Friday panel discussions (coming soon).
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
| SESSION | Location | TIME |
|---|---|---|
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 |
||
| Film Screening and Discussion: We Are Tuvalu | Damen Cinema, Damen Student Center | 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
THURSDAY, MARCH 13 |
||
| Campus Sustainability Tour | Lobby, School of Environmental Sustainability | 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Keynote Event Featuring Peter Gleick, PhD | Sister Jean Room, Damen Student Center | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
FRIDAY, MARCH 14 |
||
| Panel 1: Global Perspectives on Climate and Water | Sister Jean Room South, Damen Student Center | 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
| Panel 2: Protecting Great Lakes Water Resources | Sister Jean Room South, Damen Student Center | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
| Panel 3: Local Solutions to Water Challenges | Sister Jean Room South, Damen Student Center | 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Exhibit Hall | Sister Jean Room North, Damen Student Center | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Climate Emotions Art Exhibition | Sister Jean Room Lobby, Damen Student Center | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Poster Session and Reception | Sister Jean Room North, Damen Student Center | 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. |
SATURDAY, MARCH 15 |
||
| Panel Discussion and Reception: Celebrating Laudato Si’ at Ten | McCormick Lounge, Coffey Hall | 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Musical Performance: Missa Laudato Si’ (Separate ticket required) | Mundelein Center for the Performing Arts | 7:30 p.m. |
VIEW THE DETAILED SCHEDULE
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 MoreSCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
| SESSION | Location | TIME |
|---|---|---|
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 |
||
| Film Screening and Discussion: We Are Tuvalu | Damen Cinema, Damen Student Center | 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
THURSDAY, MARCH 13 |
||
| Campus Sustainability Tour | Lobby, School of Environmental Sustainability | 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Keynote Event Featuring Peter Gleick, PhD | Sister Jean Room, Damen Student Center | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
FRIDAY, MARCH 14 |
||
| Panel 1: Global Perspectives on Climate and Water | Sister Jean Room South, Damen Student Center | 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
| Panel 2: Protecting Great Lakes Water Resources | Sister Jean Room South, Damen Student Center | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
| Panel 3: Local Solutions to Water Challenges | Sister Jean Room South, Damen Student Center | 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Exhibit Hall | Sister Jean Room North, Damen Student Center | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Climate Emotions Art Exhibition | Sister Jean Room Lobby, Damen Student Center | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Poster Session and Reception | Sister Jean Room North, Damen Student Center | 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. |
SATURDAY, MARCH 15 |
||
| Panel Discussion and Reception: Celebrating Laudato Si’ at Ten | McCormick Lounge, Coffey Hall | 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Musical Performance: Missa Laudato Si’ (Separate ticket required) | Mundelein Center for the Performing Arts | 7:30 p.m. |
VIEW THE DETAILED SCHEDULE
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