Climate Change Conference
Climate Change Conference
Shifting Waters: Climate Change, Water Security, and the Emerging Water Crisis
March 12–15, 2025
Climate change has dramatic implications for the world's water resources. Communities worldwide face worsening droughts, more frequent flooding, and rising sea levels. Warmer waters harm aquatic ecosystems and damage fisheries, while more than half the world's population faces water security challenges.
Loyola University Chicago's 2025 Climate Change Conference will explore strategies for developing just solutions to the emerging water crisis. Speakers will discuss how people are working to protect water resources on global, regional, and local levels. The event will also provide opportunities for participants to become part of the solution and positively impact people and the planet.
Keynote Presentation
Thursday, March 13
Peter Gleick, PhD, will deliver the keynote address following an opening musical performance by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Glieck is a leading scientist, innovator, and communicator on water and climate issues. He co-founded the Pacific Institute in Oakland, California in 1987, one of the most innovative, independent non-governmental research centers, creating and advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. He is currently president-emeritus and senior fellow at the Institute.
Panel Discussions
Friday, March 14
On Friday, panel discussions will explore global, regional, and local approaches to protecting water resources in the face of climate change. The interdisciplinary panels will include speakers with expertise in climate science, ecology, environmental policy, and environmental justice.
Exhibit Hall
Friday, March 14
An exhibit hall will feature local organizations focused on climate change, environmental sustainability, water resources, and water security. Conference participants can interact with representatives of these organizations and learn about opportunities to support sustainability initiatives at Loyola and beyond.
Poster Session and Reception
Friday, March 14
On Friday afternoon, a poster session will allow researchers to share work on environmental sustainability, climate change, and water resources. Faculty members, students, and researchers from academic institutions and other organizations are invited to submit posters.
Past Conferences
Our climate change conferences are always the highlight of our academic year. Past speakers have included renowned scientists, community activists, and leaders in government, nonprofits, education, religion, and other fields.
Read MoreMarch 12–15, 2025
Climate change has dramatic implications for the world's water resources. Communities worldwide face worsening droughts, more frequent flooding, and rising sea levels. Warmer waters harm aquatic ecosystems and damage fisheries, while more than half the world's population faces water security challenges.
Loyola University Chicago's 2025 Climate Change Conference will explore strategies for developing just solutions to the emerging water crisis. Speakers will discuss how people are working to protect water resources on global, regional, and local levels. The event will also provide opportunities for participants to become part of the solution and positively impact people and the planet.
Keynote Presentation
Thursday, March 13
Peter Gleick, PhD, will deliver the keynote address following an opening musical performance by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Glieck is a leading scientist, innovator, and communicator on water and climate issues. He co-founded the Pacific Institute in Oakland, California in 1987, one of the most innovative, independent non-governmental research centers, creating and advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. He is currently president-emeritus and senior fellow at the Institute.
Panel Discussions
Friday, March 14
On Friday, panel discussions will explore global, regional, and local approaches to protecting water resources in the face of climate change. The interdisciplinary panels will include speakers with expertise in climate science, ecology, environmental policy, and environmental justice.
Exhibit Hall
Friday, March 14
An exhibit hall will feature local organizations focused on climate change, environmental sustainability, water resources, and water security. Conference participants can interact with representatives of these organizations and learn about opportunities to support sustainability initiatives at Loyola and beyond.
Poster Session and Reception
Friday, March 14
On Friday afternoon, a poster session will allow researchers to share work on environmental sustainability, climate change, and water resources. Faculty members, students, and researchers from academic institutions and other organizations are invited to submit posters.