ESE symposium to examine patterns of perception about climate change

A symposium Sept. 25-27 will use several means to explore how shifting paradigms at the intersection of society and technology affect perceptions and goals related to climate change. The series of events, free and open to the public, is presented by Purdue's Ecological Sciences and Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program.

The symposium, which is titled "Trajectories: An Exploration of Paradigm Shifts and Their Impacts Across Time," is presented in collaboration with Purdue's annual Dawn or Doom conference. Symposium registration is available and is needed for the lunch event. Here are the symposium events:

* Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.: Keynote address by author Howard Bloom, who writes about human evolution and group behavior. Wilmeth Active Learning Center's Hiler Theater (Room 1055).

* Sept. 26 at 9-10:30 a.m.: The popular Three Minute Thesis competition will see students from the undergraduate to doctoral levels packing three minutes with their best description of their research, which may not be related to the symposium there. Stewart Center's Fowler Hall.

* Sept. 26 at noon: An Improvisational Comedy Lunch will feature audience interaction and the campus improv group Ad-Liberation. Registration is needed and food will be available first-come, first-served. Stewart Center, Room 214.

* Sept. 26 at 1:30-3:30 p.m. The ESE Debate Competition will climax with its final four teams. They will affirm and rebut viewpoints on topics related to climate change, such as economics, conflict, alternative energy and climate adaptation. The winners will receive a $300 prize. Preliminary rounds involving 16 teams of two will be on Sept. 19. The debate is being staged in partnership with Purdue's Petticrew Debate Forum. Stewart Center, Room 214, for the finals.

* Sept. 27 at 10:30-11:30 a.m. A "Fake News" Panel will look at that current topic. Three panelists are scheduled, and the moderator will be Quentin Hardy, editorial head, cloud, at Google Inc., and former deputy technology editor for The New York Times. Stewart Center, Fowler Hall.

In addition, a photography competition is taking place with a submission deadline of Sept. 20. Purdue students are eligible, and two winners will receive a cash prize. Photos are to represent and convey the symposium theme. The top photo will be showcased at the symposium.

The symposium has a large number of sponsors among campus offices and academic units, enabling ESE to offer these events without charge.