Climate Change: Past, Present and Future

🔥 Lottery: Aug 27–Sept 2 • Full registration: Aug 28
Dates: December 1, 2025
Meets: M from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
 Location: Bozeman, MT - Museum of the Rockies
Cost:  $0.00

There are still openings remaining at this time.

Date Day Time
12/01/2025Monday3 PM to 5 PM

OR

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2025-2026 OLLI at MSU Membership

Description

Climate change is on everyone's mind, but how much do we know about the science? Is global warming something new, or has the climate always changed? This lecture will discuss ancient climate transitions, including their causes and past consequences; compare the geologic record with what's happening now; and examine different future climate scenarios for our region depending on societal action. It's intended to be a primer for folks wanting to increase their knowledge of this critical, complex issue.

Course Takeaways

A better understanding of the science of climate change, drawing on these concepts:

  • Climate change has occurred throughout geological time for various reasons. In this sense, it is nothing new.
  • Periodic changes in the Earth's orbit around the Sun cause ice ages, including the one that ended 15,000 years ago.
  • The current warming trend in Montana is due to increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily from burning fossil fuels. Levels of CO2 haven't been this high in 3.3 million years!
  • Plausible pathways for future climate change depend on societal choices, population growth, energy use, technology and land use.
Fee:  $0.00

Bozeman, MT - Museum of the Rockies

600 West Kagy Blvd
Bozeman, Montana 59717

Cathy Whitlock

Dr. Cathy Whitlock is Regents Professor Emerita in Earth Sciences at Montana State University. She is nationally and internationally recognized for her research on the environmental history of Yellowstone and her leadership activities in climate change science and outreach. She has co-authored over 225 scientific publications and is the lead author of the Montana Climate Assessment and Greater Yellowstone Climate Assessment. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.