WCG Fall Events

The WESTON CLIMATE GROUP Presents 
at 7 PM in the Weston Library Community Room:

September 21 
Jean Sideris, Union of Concerned Scientists:
Extreme Weather, Global Warming, and Your Health


October 19 
Paul Eldrenkamp:
Ice Dams, Climate Change, and You


November 15
Financing Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Your Home


December 7
Film: Carbon Nation

Event Descriptions

Jean Sideris: Climate Change and Your Health (9/21)
   “How are climate change and extreme weather related? In a warming world, what health effects could climate change bring? Join me for a discussion of these issues and how you can call for action on climate change.”
   Jean Sideris is the Outreach Coordinator for the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. She connects scientists with the public and policy makers to educate them on global warming science, impacts, and solutions and to advocate for strong action to reduce emissions. Jean has a master's degree in journalism from Northeastern University, a bachelor's in anthropology from the University of Colorado, and has been with UCS for 7 years.


Paul Eldrenkamp: Ice Dams, Climate Change and You (10/19)
   Paul Eldrenkamp is both the owner of Byggmeister, a Newton-based remodeling company, and principal of DEAP Energy Group, a consulting firm specializing in Deep Energy Retrofits (renovations that achieve energy savings of at least 50%). He will explain the cause of ice dams, their connection to climate change and what you can do about both.
   Paul says his “mission is to design, build and maintain homes that are functional, beautiful, cost-effective and environmentally responsible. We have put environmental stewardship at the center of our services—and not just because it's good for the planet…
   Sustainable homes aren't just environmentally beneficial; they also reduce maintenance and energy costs, improve air quality and comfort, and, through good design, are better able to meet the changing needs of occupants over time.”


Financing Energy Efficiency Upgrades (11/15)
   There are energy efficiency rebates, incentives and tax breaks available that could reduce the upfront costs of a renovation. There are also novel financing mechanisms that are currently being debated that go even further. In this session, we’ll review the availability of programs and discuss new ideas being bandied about.


The film "Carbon Nation" (12/7)
   “Carbon Nation is an optimistic, solutions-based, non-preachy, non-partisan, big tent film that shows tackling climate change boosts the economy, increases national and energy security and promotes health and a clean environment.
   Even if you doubt the severity of the impact of climate change or just don't buy it at all, this is still a compelling and relevant film that illustrates how solutions to climate change also address other social, economic and national security issues. You'll meet a host of entertaining and endearing characters along the way…
   It’s incredibly smart to be a part of the new, low-carbon economy: it’s good business. Carbon Nation’s optimism and pragmatism are appealing across the political spectrum. While other good films have been about problems, blame and guilt, Carbon Nation celebrates solutions, inspiration and action.”


Note: All quotations from web sites and emails with our guests.