The United Nations recently confirmed what scientists have long warned: the world will overshoot the critical 1.5°C warming target set by the Paris Agreement. After years of hearing "we have 12 years to act," then 10, then fewer — the deadline has arrived. So what does missing this target actually mean? And where do we go from here?
Join us on February 5 as climate scientist Erika Spanger-Siegfried of the Union of Concerned Scientists helps our community make sense of this pivotal moment. Erika will walk us through the latest science, explore what increased warming means for sea level rise and extreme weather in coastal communities like ours, and open space for the questions and conversation we need to have.
This won't be a lecture about doom — it will be an honest, grounded conversation about where we are, what's ahead, and what we can do together.
Light refreshments will be available when doors open at 6:30 p.m. Can't join us in person? The talk will be broadcast live on NCMhub.
About the Speaker
Erika Spanger-Siegfried is the Director of Strategic Climate Analytics in the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, where she researches, writes, and speaks about U.S. climate change impacts and preparedness.
Her work has shaped how communities understand climate risk. She has overseen and co-authored landmark research on coastal flooding and extreme heat, including the reports "When Rising Seas Hit Home" and "Killer Heat in the United States." Her research on sea level rise has projected increased tidal flooding along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts through 2030 and 2045.
Erika previously managed the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment, a collaboration with more than 50 scientists exploring climate change across the Northeast states. She has served on the Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee and has been quoted in The Washington Post, USA Today, CNN, The Boston Globe, and other major outlets.
She holds an M.S. in Energy and Environmental Analysis from Boston University and a B.S. in Fisheries Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
RSVP to Attend
This event is free and open to all. Please RSVP to help us plan for refreshments and seating.