Last week the Beloit College community had the opportunity to engage with Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin’s State Climatologist and co-director of the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts. His two-day visit included the annual Ivan Stone Lecture in Public Policy and visits to several Beloit College classes, where Dr. Vavrus presented the science behind human-induced climate change, its effects on communities, and potential solutions for a more sustainable future.

Dr. Vavrus’s presentation was organized into four main sections: the science of human-induced climate change, major societal impacts, climate justice issues, and reasons for hope. He emphasized that the science behind climate change is simple, but the effects and solutions are not. The lecture highlighted the significant consequences of global warming, which include more extreme heat, stronger storms, and sea level rise. Dr. Vavrus noted that by the 2050s, Beloit will be in the extreme heat belt, with at least one day each year with a “feels like” temperature over 125°F. He also discussed the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, including those in low-lying coastal areas and communities with limited resources.

Students and community members asked questions about the intersection of climate change and international policy, the role of technology in addressing climate change, and the potential for a livable future. Dr. Vavrus’s responses underscored the need for continued dialogue, collaboration, and collective action to address the pressing issue of climate change.

“I appreciate that he ended his lecture on a positive note,” said Elliot Ave-Lallemant ’27, a student majoring in political science and philosophy. “It gave me a hope that a better future is possible, and that actual change is being made.”

Dr. Vavrus visited classes across the curriculum to continue these conversations. He engaged with students on the relevance of their course material to climate change science and policy and the importance of interdisciplinary education.

“Steve’s insights on climate and possible implications for the economy were interesting to hear and very valuable to consider as we continue to learn how to adapt to a changing climate,” said Finn Waterman ’26, a student in Professor Pablo Toral’s International Economy and the Environment class.

Finn also appreciated hearing career advice from a professional scientist: “[Steve told us] that the two most important things he can recommend for career readiness are getting a well rounded interdisciplinary education and to practice our writing.”

Dr. Vavrus spoke with future teachers in a course on social studies instruction, engaging in a wide-ranging conversation on strategies to make climate science and climate justice topics accessible for young learners and on resources to teach about local climate issues. Dr. Vavrus recommended engaging elementary students in collecting and analyzing their own weather data, such as daily temperature or rainfall. Together they explored how to help young learners navigate climate pessimism and find hope in action.

“Initially, many of our students understood climate change as a topic for science courses,” said the course professor Dr. George Dalbo. “Dr. Vavrus’ visit helped them think about interdisciplinary ways to approach the topic, including in a social studies classroom.” Students in the Education and Youth Studies course will next create an inquiry-based lesson plan exploring climate science and justice issues.

Dr. Vavrus visited Professor George Dalbo's Social Studies Instruction Across the Curriculum course, an Education & Youth Studies class where future teachers do theoretical and practical investigations into social studies instruction.

Despite the dire circumstances, Dr. Vavrus’ lecture and his visit offered reasons for hope. He emphasized that individuals, communities, and governments can take action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. These actions include reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and implementing climate-resilient infrastructure.

Dr. Vavrus highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and community members to address the complex challenges of climate change. He illustrated these approaches through his own work spearheading the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) that seeks to bring climate scientists and local communities together to inform adaptation policies at the local level.

The visit by Dr. Vavrus was organized within Weissberg Program for Human Rights and Social Justice, and is part of a year of programming related to climate change and climate justice. The Ivan Stone lecture is named after the Dean of the College from 1939 to 1969, who founded and directed the World Outlook Program, which sent students around the globe as part of their Beloit College education. Today Ivan Stone’s legacy continues with a robust international education for Beloit College students, through semester-long study abroad, short-term global experience seminars, and curricular opportunities throughout the year to engage with topics of global importance.

Dr. Vavrus delivers the annual Ivan Stone lecture on the Science and Impact of Climate Change.