Faith and Climate Webinar Series – Juliana vs the United States (The Youth Climate Suit)

Originally aired June 4, 2019

The first session in SSF’s Faith and Climate Webinar Series — organized in partnership with the Parliament of the World’s Religions and supported by the Hanley Foundation — opens with faith-based perspectives supporting the plaintiffs in Juliana v. United States, the landmark youth climate lawsuit. Panelists from law, science, and advocacy examine what the case means for climate policy and the moral obligations of faith communities, institutions, and governments to protect young people and future generations from climate harm.

Speakers

David Hales (Moderator)

President Emeritus, College of the Atlantic; Former Chair & President, Second Nature

David Hales served as President of the College of the Atlantic, as Chair and President of Second Nature (the managing organization of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment), and as Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. As a diplomat, he represented the U.S. in numerous negotiations on climate change, urban affairs, and biodiversity, and was the first American to serve as Chair of the World Heritage Convention. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior in the Carter administration.

Howard A. Learner

President & Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center

Howard A. Learner is an experienced public interest litigation attorney and President and Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center — the Midwest’s premier environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization. He provides overall strategic leadership, policy direction, and financial management for ELPC’s work on clean energy, transportation innovation, and the preservation of the Midwest’s natural resources and heritage — including regional high-speed rail development.

Brenda Ekwurzel

Senior Climate Scientist & Director of Climate Science, Climate & Energy Program, Union of Concerned Scientists

Brenda Ekwurzel is a Senior Climate Scientist and Director of Climate Science for the Climate & Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, where she ensures program analyses reflect robust and relevant climate science. She is a co-author of the fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) Volume II and researches the influence of major carbon producers on rising global temperatures and sea level. She presents frequently on climate science and practical, achievable solutions for a broad range of audiences.