The Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment at the University is hosting its annual international conference from Sept. 18 to Sept. 20.

The main purpose of the iSEE Congress this year is to advance scientific understanding of the impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector, ecosystem services and human livelihoods and well-being, especially among the most vulnerable sections of society.

Tony Mancuso, communications and public affairs coordinator, said the congress will also foster critical thinking on the areas for further research and institutional development to adapt to climate change.

Mancuso said in an email the speakers include many experts from the University, and both national and international speakers, such as former White House Science Policy Adviser John Holdren, environmental journalist Justin Gillis, a director of the International Food Policy Research Institute and panelists from the industry and the corporate sector.

Attendance grew from over 200 during the first congress in 2014 to more than 550 participants this year, Mancuso said in an email.

“The event will provide a forum to discuss the near- and medium-term options for building resilience to climate change and policy directions that could contribute to long-term solutions,” Mancuso said. “This forum brings bright minds together for potential future research collaborations to solve this grand world challenge.”

[email protected]