In anticipation of the United Nations global conference on climate change (COP21) in Paris in December, Emory will host a panel discussion on the local and global impact of climate change on humanitarian aid. The event is set for Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Room E208 of the Mathematics and Science Center.

International development professionals, climate change researchers and policy experts will discuss past lessons and next steps to assist vulnerable populations in dealing with climate impacts at this France-Atlanta event.

The discussion is free and open to the public but registration is required.

The program begins with an exploration of sustainable approaches to climate change adaptation from 3:30-5 p.m. It will be followed by a discussion of climate change policy and advocacy, from COP21 and beyond. A reception will be held at 6:15 p.m.

Panelists will include:

• M. Carla Roncoli, associate director of Emory’s Master's in Development Practice,

Department of Anthropology senior research scientist, and adjunct faculty in the Department of Environmental Sciences

• Daniel Rochberg, instructor in environmental sciences in Emory College and environmental health at Rollins School of Public Health. Rochberg, along with Eri Saikawa, assistant professor of environmental sciences in Emory College and environmental health at Rollins School of Public Health, led a group of faculty in the development of the Climate@Emory academic learning community.

• Dorcas Robinson, CARE’s climate change resources and partnerships coordinator

• François Grunewald, chair of Urgence-Rehabilitation-Developpement (Groupe URD) and associate professor at Paris XII University

• Pascal Debons, disaster risk management and resilience advisor in Action Against Hunger USA

The panelists will discuss what is at stake for the humanitarian community, how their respective organizations are promoting practices and advocating for policies to prevent climate-induced humanitarian crises, and what they hope COP21 will achieve in terms of efforts to save lives and eradicate extreme poverty.

Sponsors include the Laney Graduate School Master’s in Development Practice, Climate@Emory, the Claus M. Halle Institute, the Emory Development Studies Program and the Institute for Developing Nations.

For more information visit www.france-atlanta.org.