We’ll Email You a Reminder 30 Minutes before The UW Now Livestream.
The past few months have seen record-shattering temperatures, storms, and other climate-related damage across many parts of the world. What are the facts on weather and climate? What are the major contributors to changing climate? Are property and casualty insurance markets behaving in a manner consistent with increases in severe weather events? How might climate change continue to impact society and how can humans adapt? Can updates to policy and infrastructure mitigate issues like the ones we’re seeing now — and what will it take to get everyone onboard?
Join fellow UW alumni and friends online for a livestream and Q & A with a panel of experts who will discuss the current impact of climate change on people’s daily lives. The talk will be moderated by Mike Knetter, CEO of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association.
Speakers
Steve Ackerman, PhD is a professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences and the vice chancellor for graduate research and education at UW–Madison. He began his career at UW–Madison as a research scientist in the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS). In 1992, he joined the faculty of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. In 1999, he became director of the CIMSS, successfully leading for 18 years. He has also served campus as the associate dean for the physical sciences and the associate vice chancellor for the physical sciences. He is also one of “The Weather Guys” — a monthly guest on a popular Wisconsin Public Radio live call-in show.
Jonathan Martin, PhD is a professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences. He is an expert on mid-latitude weather systems, such as snowstorms and severe thunderstorms, and how climate change contributes to these events. He has authored or coauthored more than 40 scientific publications, including the leading undergraduate textbook on atmospheric dynamics, Mid-Latitude Atmospheric Dynamics: A First Course. He is the recipient of the Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award, the College of Letters and Science Mark Ingraham Distinguished Faculty Award, and the Hamel Faculty Fellow Award. He is also one of “The Weather Guys” — a monthly guest on a popular Wisconsin Public Radio live call-in show.
Ben Wright ’02 is the senior vice-president and Chief Underwriting Officer – Property at American Family Insurance Group. He leads product development, product management, high-risk, and data science teams for the American Family enterprise homeowners business. He has been with the American Family enterprise for more than 22 years in roles across actuarial, finance, product management, and product development functions. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2002 with a BBA in actuarial science.
A recording and recap of the livestream will be available on uwalumni.com after the event.
Speakers and schedule are subject to change.
This event is hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Association®.