On March 10, 2016, the Climate Science Alliance – South Coast hosted its first annual forum and networking reception at Cabrillo National Monument, with breathtaking views of San Diego County, where the Alliance first began just over a year ago. More than 80 Climate Science Alliance partners attended the evening event and participated in a climate forum led by Dr. Amber Pairis and the Advisory Team for the Alliance. Partners from as far as Tucson, Los Angeles, and even San Quentín, Baja California, Mexico were in attendance including representatives from academia, non-governmental organizations, the business sector, and local, state, federal, and tribal governments. The event featured updates from Alliance partners on educational, scientific, and management focused activities they’ve been engaged with through the Alliance over the last year. The group’s Advisory Team also unveiled the Alliance Working Group structure and strategic plans for the next two years in an energetic engagement session.
Attendees donned colored Mardi Gras beads to represent their interest in the Science-focused Partnerships (Orange Team), Climate Smart Conservation (Blue Team), or Innovative Community Engagement (Green Team). The event’s Master of Ceremonies, Shasta Gaughen, from the Pala Band of Mission Indians’ Environmental Division said,
“I can’t remember a time when I’ve had more fun talking about climate change!”
The evening was capped off by mingling in the twilight with refreshments, a delicious hors d'oeuvres spread, sponsored by SDG&E. Dr. Pairis said she was thrilled at the turn out and excitement for this new venture in southern California, particularly from tribal and Baja partners, and she hopes the success of this event carries on to future Alliance activities and next year’s networking event.
Organizations interested in joining the Climate Science Alliance – South Coast can find more information on the Alliance’s webpage (http://www.climatesciencealliance.org/), or can contact Dr. Pairis at Amber.Pairis@wildlife.ca.gov