Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford Speaks to Upper School Class

Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford returned to Parker last week to share his knowledge and expertise with the Upper School Climate Science and Environmental Justice class.

CSEJ is an interdisciplinary, project-based course shared by the Science and History Departments that asks essential questions: To what extent can climate change be slowed to allow for minimal impact to ecosystems, economies, public health, and natural resources? Who is driving the change? Students study the science behind climate change, in addition to the delicate balance between human intervention and political oversight.

With this focus, Dr. Ford was the perfect guest to speak to the students. Dr. Ford is responsible for providing weather and climate data, maps, and information for Illinois farmers, government agencies, policymakers, and other citizens. He also conducts research on past climate events, monitors current conditions, studies possible future climate change, and acts as the state’s authoritative spokesperson on climate science.

During his time with students, Dr. Ford discussed the climate, his work, and his history and answered questions from students, ranging from what led him into his role as the state’s climatologist to what is necessary to get the public behind efforts to combat further climate degradation.

Parker is extremely grateful that Dr. Ford took time out of his day to come and speak to students while he was visiting Chicago.

Click here for photos from this visit.