Navigating Our Rapidly Changing Climate

The speaker for our Tuesday, June 17, meeting of the OKC Audubon Society will be Emma Kuster, University Assistant Director and Adult Education Specialist for the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center in Norman, speaking on Understanding and Navigating Our Rapidly Changing Climate.

Our climate is rapidly changing. In Oklahoma, we are already seeing more variable and extreme rainfall, intensifying drought conditions, and warming temperatures throughout the year. We will begin by covering the basics of why our climate is changing and highlighting some new research on climate change and birds in the region. Following, we will have an open discussion around the impacts of climate change that we have personally experienced. For this session, I encourage you to bring photos or other materials that help you tell the story of change over time. As we talk through those stories of change, we will consider our future and brainstorm tangible ways we can make a difference. To conclude, we will talk about the importance of maintaining a sense of hope despite our challenges. 

Emma’s interest in weather and climate began early in life as she watched seasonal thunderstorms approach her home in Arkansas. She moved to Oklahoma University in 2009 to study meteorology. In 2013 with her bachelor’s degree she transitioned to the geography department for her master’s degree to expand her knowledge about the impacts of climate change. Last year, she completed a second master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education to help her strengthen her climate education efforts. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Geography and Environmental Sustainability at OU focused on local knowledge and climate-informed decisions. At the CASC, she serves as a liaison between resource managers and researchers, leads climate training and education programs, and conducts research to enhance climate adaptation and education efforts. Outside of work, she serves as a color guard instructor for the Norman High School band and enjoys taking photos of beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

Join our camaraderie and learn about our changing climate. And bring a friend.

Our meetings are held September through June on the third Monday of each month.  Meetings begin at 7 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.

Meeting Location:

Our meetings are held at the Will Rogers Garden center, located at the intersection of NW 36th Street and I-44. The Oklahoma City Audubon Society is neither a chapter of, nor affiliated with, the National Audubon Society.