If conversations with your family and friends about climate change seem to be unproductive or just end with everyone agreeing "things are going to get really bad," then you might be interested in an upcoming workshop presented by several student groups at The University of New Mexico.

“Talking to Family and Friends about Climate Change” is coming to UNM’s campus to help the community discuss climate change issues in a clear and productive way without shame, guilt, nor finger pointing.

Mark Ronchetti
Mark Ronchetti

The workshop is set for Thursday, March 21 from 4 to 5 p.m. in Northrop Hall, room 122, and will feature keynote speaker KRQE chief meteorologist Mark Ronchetti, who will give his thoughts on the issue of climate change and how it effects New Mexico.

The workshop is designed for open dialogue about climate change and to help the community discuss the issues of climate change in an easy to understand manner. It includes a short climate summary, online and social media resources to help people understand what climate change means specific to their situation, an interactive talk about the conflict of how to talk about it, and questions from the audience.

Additional speakers include members of UNM's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences including Distinguished Professor and director for the Center for Stable Isotopes Zachary Sharp, and Holly Olivarez, a senior undergraduate student.

The workshop is hosted by a number of UNM student groups including March for Science Albuquerque, Advancing Women in Science, Geology and Environmental Science Club, UNM Environmental Coalition, Environment New Mexico UNM, 350 UNM and the UNM Environmental Law Society.

For more information, visit Climate Change Talks.