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Climate Conversations: Pathways to Action

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Climate Conversations: Pathways to Action is a regular virtual event series that aims to convene high-level, cross-cutting, nonpartisan conversations about issues relevant to action on climate change.

News and updates

Coral Reefs, Resilience, and the Stories we Tell

Program News

Coral reefs are often described in scientific terms: ecosystems rich in biodiversity, natural storm barriers, and sources of food and income. Yet for many scientists, the path into reef research did not begin with data but with a powerful personal encounter with the natural world.

Feb 11, 2026
The delicate fingers of a flaming red Sea Fan a type of Gorgonian.

Elevating Intersections of Air Pollution in India: Climate Crossroads at RamFest 2025

Program News

In September, Climate Crossroads traveled to Scripps Institution of Oceanography for RamFest 2025, a symposium celebrating the illustrious career of Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a visionary in climate science and action and member of the National Academy of Sciences. The 1.5-day event brought together a diverse group of experts, including international scientists, policymakers, students, and artists for inspiring discussions on climate science and actionable solutions.

Dec 16, 2025
RamFest 2025, a symposium celebrating the illustrious career of Veerabhadran Ramanathan

Exploring How to Power AI Sustainably

Feature Story

As the demand for artificial intelligence surges in everything from business to science to art, the power-intensive data centers needed to run AI tools and applications are straining the nation’s aging electricity infrastructure. A recent webinar examined AI’s growing appetite for electricity and possible solutions for powering it sustainably.

Jul 11, 2025

Featured Events

Climate Conversations: Brain Health

  • May 28, 2026
  • 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM (EDT)
  • Webinar
  • Upcoming

Join us for a discussion on climate change and brain health. About this Event Climate change is increasingly recognized not only as an environmental and physical health challenge, but also as a grow...

Neuron system.
About Past Events News and Updates

News and updates

Showing 1–18 of 19 items
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Coral Reefs, Resilience, and the Stories we Tell

Program News

Coral reefs are often described in scientific terms: ecosystems rich in biodiversity, natural storm barriers, and sources of food and income. Yet for many scientists, the path into reef research did not begin with data but with a powerful personal encounter with the natural world.

Feb 11, 2026

The delicate fingers of a flaming red Sea Fan a type of Gorgonian.

Elevating Intersections of Air Pollution in India: Climate Crossroads at RamFest 2025

Program News

In September, Climate Crossroads traveled to Scripps Institution of Oceanography for RamFest 2025, a symposium celebrating the illustrious career of Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a visionary in climate science and action and member of the National Academy of Sciences. The 1.5-day event brought together a diverse group of experts, including international scientists, policymakers, students, and artists for inspiring discussions on climate science and actionable solutions.

Dec 16, 2025

RamFest 2025, a symposium celebrating the illustrious career of Veerabhadran Ramanathan

Exploring How to Power AI Sustainably

Feature Story

As the demand for artificial intelligence surges in everything from business to science to art, the power-intensive data centers needed to run AI tools and applications are straining the nation’s aging electricity infrastructure. A recent webinar examined AI’s growing appetite for electricity and possible solutions for powering it sustainably.

Jul 11, 2025

Native Seeds: The Roots of Thriving Ecosystems

Program News

Native seeds are essential for maintaining healthy local ecosystems, sustaining biodiversity, and supporting wildlife, though climate change presents new challenges for their use in restoration. Addressing the significant supply chain issues requires strategic coordination, increased public demand, and individual efforts like education and responsible gardening to ensure these vital resources are available.

May 27, 2025

The Growing Challenge of Urban Wildfires

Feature Story

Fires that happen where wildlands meet urban areas — such as the January wildfires in the Los Angeles area — are increasing. A recent webinar explored urban wildfires, their impacts, and lessons learned that can help communities prepare.

Mar 10, 2025

Wildfire Recovery: Protecting health and safety during and after wildfires

Program News

Several National Academies reports offer information and insights on ways to operate safely in burned environments for those who have been affected by wildfires.

Feb 28, 2025

Amidst Compounding Disasters, Resilient Housing Can Anchor Communities

Program News

A recent Climate Conversation explored the intersection between housing and compounding disasters, like the hurricanes that struck the Southeast in Fall 2024.

Dec 3, 2024

coastal town that has been flooded.

The Future of Sports: Protecting Athletes Amid New Climate Realities

Program News

As climate change intensifies, its impacts are felt in every aspect of our lives. The sports arena is no exception. Extreme weather events are not only reshaping landscapes, but also our daily lives and the activities we participate in. With millions of people engaged in sports and physical activity around the world, understanding the impacts that climate change is having on athletic communities is critical.

Oct 25, 2024

Tired young athlete woman taking a break after running on the sports track

Can Hydrogen Help the Energy Transition? Panel Explores the Benefits and Challenges

Feature Story

Hydrogen is emerging as a climate solution because burning it doesn’t release carbon dioxide, but there are many hurdles that remain to wider use of clean hydrogen. A recent webinar explored hydrogen’s challenges and potential benefits.

Aug 23, 2024

Disaster Recovery: What Community-Driven Relocation Could Look Like

Program News

Since 2018, disasters have doubled every year in the U.S., but the conversations around rebuilding verses relocation continue to be challenging for policymakers and the communities impacted by disasters.

Jul 2, 2024

Elevating Community Voices and Environmental Justice in the Transition to Net Zero

Feature Story

Environmental justice has come to the forefront of initiatives as policymakers seek to create a just transition to net-zero carbon emissions. Panelists at a recent Climate Conversations session discussed how environmental justice helps communities to have their voices heard and be included in decision-making.

May 6, 2024

The Future of Nuclear Power in a Low-Carbon World

Feature Story

Nuclear reactors provide a significant portion of the nation’s electricity, but high costs, competition from renewables, and ongoing concern over the risks make their future uncertain. A recent Climate Conversations webinar explored what has changed and discussed the potential of new and advanced nuclear reactors in a decarbonized economy.

Jun 20, 2023

Insurance for a Changing Climate

Feature Story

Among the many facets of the economy being challenged by warming global temperatures is the insurance industry. As damaging extreme events increase in frequency and intensity, insurance companies face larger financial risks and costs, and policy holders face higher premiums. A webinar explored how industry, policymakers, and consumers are responding.

Dec 21, 2022

Momentum Builds for Global Action on Biodiversity

Feature Story

World leaders are gathering in Montreal for the U.N.’s COP15 global conference on biodiversity loss. The National Academies have identified opportunities for action that would help reduce the loss of critical species and lessen future climate change, discussed recently during an Academies webinar about the report “Biodiversity at Risk.”

Dec 8, 2022

‘A Marathon, Not a Sprint’ — How Can Cities Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Also Improve Mobility?

Feature Story

Emission reduction goals, changing transportation patterns caused by COVID, an influx of infrastructure investments, and the need to support mobility for all residents together present a challenge for planners. A recent webinar explored how cities can support a transition to more equitable, lower-emissions urban transportation systems.

Aug 22, 2022

‘You Need a Yes on All of Those Levels’ — Experts Discuss the Future of Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Research

Feature Story

Experts discuss the future of ocean-based approaches to carbon dioxide removal — including the ethics of investigating proposed strategies, how research can respond to public concerns, and what we need to know to make informed climate decisions.

Feb 11, 2022

Infrastructure for a Changing Climate

Feature Story

Climate change and its extremes — higher temperatures, rising sea levels, more intense hurricanes — pose a variety of threats to U.S. infrastructure. In a June discussion, NAE President John Anderson and former USACE Chief Engineer Thomas Bostick explored these hazards and how the nation can respond.

Jul 7, 2021

climate convo feature - secondary banner 1260x300.jpg | https://nasemoceprodcomm-nationalacademies.cec.ocp.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT6FE3829F3A2D4E538A303382F0B9C9FE/native?cb=_cache_daba&channelToken=d2dc71410b56f1d61406108f1738d0f4

Should Solar Geoengineering Be Considered in the Fight Against Climate Change?

Feature Story

A recent discussion explored the possible risks and benefits and the need for more research

Jun 11, 2021

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