Climate Crisis Goes Mainstream at Maine Climate Solutions Expo and Summit, March 12 at Augusta Civic Center

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Feb 25, 2014, 03:33 ET

AUGUSTA, Maine, Feb. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The undeniable threat of global climate change is now a primary concern for mainstream America.

In response to the need for action to mitigate this threat to economic prosperity and future generations, a powerful coalition of businesses, institutions of higher learning, farmers and gardeners, faith communities and others, will hold the first major initiative on solutions to climate change in Maine from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, at the Augusta Civic Center.

Climate Solutions is two concurrent events on one day, bringing together people and organizations throughout Maine to demonstrate that there is extensive support for action on climate change and already much work being done.

An Expo will feature 80 business, non-profit, and educational organizations, exhibiting initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and adapt to a changing climate.

A noon plenary session, The Voices of Maine Working People, will give an opportunity for people on the ground in farming, forestry, fishing, wildlife, and public health to tell their stories about the changing climate and how they are adapting. All Expo sessions are free and open to the public.

A Climate Solutions Summit, happening concurrently with the Expo, will explore climate policy. President Stephen Mulkey of Unity College will open the Summit with a keynote address, followed by morning and afternoon work sessions on a "Vision 2020" for Maine. The Summit will conclude at 4:00 pm with a panel of legislative leaders discussing current and future climate policy options for Maine. Participation in the day-long Summit requires registration in advance at a fee of $25 - anyone interested can sign up on-line at: http://ClimateSolutionsME.org/event-registration/summit-registration/.

A special feature of Climate Solutions will be a College and University Presidents' Summit. Stephen Mulkey of Unity College, Darron Collins of College of the Atlantic, Paul Ferguson of the University of Maine, Kathryn Foster of the University of Maine at Farmington, Laurie Lachance of Thomas College and Rick Hopper of Kennebec Valley Community College will discuss climate mitigation and adaptation as they relate to higher education. The Presidents' Summit will be free and open to the public from 1:15 to 3:00 pm.