Businesses to host local climate summit with workshops at Idaho State University, Boise State University and University of Idaho

Idaho business and community leaders from diverse sectors, including Idaho Power Company, Hewlett Packard, the American Lung Association, Sierra Club, and Monsanto, will work side-by-side with conference participants to explore solutions for Idaho that mitigate or adapt to the effects of a changing climate.

Morning keynote and panel discussions will be live streamed from Boise State University for participants to view at Idaho State University’s Pond Student Union Building in Pocatello and the University of Idaho Moscow. Afternoon workshops will be held at all three venues.

“The idea is to recruit everyone to the table and have real conversations about real solutions - small

and large, individual and collaborative - we all share the same opportunities and challenges,” says David New of the Society for American Foresters, Idaho branch.

Our economy is dependent upon reliable sources of clean water, resilient land and a healthy workforce.

Yet changes, such as increased wildfire and drought, pose risks to Idaho industries including agriculture,

manufacturing, outdoor recreation and health care. All summit participants will have an opportunity to discuss their experiences, collaborations, insights and expertise to stimulate Idaho’s economy and future.

Keynote speaker Kate Gordon, Senior Advisor with Risky Business Project, will frame U.S. economic risks and opportunities presented by a changing climate and emphasize impacts and ideas for Idaho’s business sectors. Participants will learn about new business practices, build collaborations and discover solutions that make sense for Idaho communities.

According to a Yale public opinion poll nearly two thirds of Idahoans realize Idaho’s climate is changing, but only a third talk about it. This summit provides a setting for constructive dialogue, cooperation and pragmatism.  The summit coordinator, Warm Springs Consulting, will compile resultant recommendations that reduce monetary risks and increase economic opportunities for local business, agriculture and ranching owners and employees. Coordinators anticipate participants will discover a number of practical economic opportunities.

Major sponsors of the event include organizers listed above as well as: Idaho State University, Monsanto, Hewlett Packard, DL Evans Bank, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Power,  ISU's Center for Ecological Research, Boise State University, University of Idaho, Water Resources Research Institute, Upper Snake River Tribes, Nez Perce Tribe, Northwest Climate Science Center, Potlatch Corporation, and the Langdon Group.

Register for Safeguarding Idaho’s Economy at www.idahoclimatesummit.com.

Contact: Amber Bieg, amber@warmspringsconsulting.com Phone: (208) 918-1707