Saint Louis Zoo experts will discuss ways to engage in solutions with our community to help curb climate change impacts on our region and beyond. Webinars will include presentations with plenty of time for discussion. Webinars are held the second Thursday of every month. Please note, there are no webinars in June, July and August 2022. 

Previous Webinars

Supporting Native Pollinators to Mitigate Climate Change

May 12, 2022

Presented by: Kayla Garcia, Zoological Manager, Bayer Insectarium, Saint Louis Zoo

Native pollinators support healthy ecosystems in a variety of ways, including combating climate change. Whether you have a few pots, several acres or somewhere in between, it is easy to support native pollinators in your community. Join Kayla as she discusses the variety of native pollinator species and how we can all help them (and us!) thrive. Watch webinar. Download here.

Combating Climate Change with Native Plants

April 14, 2022

Presented by: Louise Bradshaw, Director of Education, and special guest, Jean Ponzi, Green Resources Manager, Earth Ways Center of Missouri Botanical Garden

Can our personal and community spaces help mitigate climate change? What role do native plants play in climate and ecosystem health? Join Louise and Jean as they discuss why building a relationship with native plants can help transform our climate impacts. Illustrated by both St. Louis and Zoo-specific examples, this talk invites all ages to join this community-powered conservation movement. Watch webinar. Download transcript.

 

Avian Conservation and Climate Change

Presented by: Amanda Bender, Zoological Manager, Bird Department

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Our climate change solutions can have global impacts for both people and animals. Join Amanda as she explores how climate change and mitigation strategies can affect avian species around the world, including in Peru and the Pacific Islands. Watch webinar. For transcript, click here.

Citizen Science resources: 

 

Fostering Youth Leadership

Presented by:

Eve Cooney
Youth Programs Manager, Saint Louis Zoo

Natalie Lucas
Engagement Specialist, US Climate Action Network
Founder, Care About Climate

Thursday, February 10, 2022
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The next generation must get as many opportunities as possible to create positive change for our planet.

Join Eve Cooney and our special guest, Natalie Lucas, as they discuss ways their programs have helped youth take action to support climate change mitigation. They'll provide tips for young people looking to get involved and will discuss how you can empower youth in your community.

Plastic Reduction: A Climate Mitigation Strategy

Presented by Leslie Gittemeier, #byetobags Program Coordinator

Thursday, January 13, 2022
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Join Leslie Gittemeier as she discusses how single-use plastics and plastic production are major contributors to climate change.

Did you know almost all plastics are made of oil and gas? Reducing plastic use and finding alternatives to plastic can help to lessen the impact of climate change. This webinar will cover a variety of plastic reduction options for all kinds of lifestyles and communities.

Additionally, actions taken to reduce and replace plastic have the added benefit of helping wildlife and humans who face negative health impacts caused by plastic pollution.

Additional resources:

The Current State Of Plastic: 

 Global Action:

National:

Regional: 

Local:

Other:

 

Getting Started with Composting

Presented by Jason Ayran, Director of Workforce Development

Thursday, December 9, 2021
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

If you are looking for a way to help the environment that also happens to be a fun, outdoor activity, then join Jason for an in-depth look at composting. He will share his personal composting journey and all the logistics you need to know about composting. Jason also will share how community-level composting can help build connections and help mitigate climate change impacts.

Sustainability at the Zoo and What You Can Do

Presented By: Wanda Kolo, Director of Sustainable Operations & Construction Management, Saint Louis Zoo

Learn about the Zoo's sustainability initiatives and programs, and find out how we operationalize green practices throughout the organization! Additionally, you can learn about tips and programs available to homeowners and businesses within our region that will help you reduce your environmental footprint. There are useful resources provided by utilities in our region, local non-profits and others that can help you track your utilities. There also are grants and other incentives to help your household be greener and better for wildlife.

 

One Health: A Solution-Based Approach to Combatting Climate Change

Join Dr. Sharon L. Deem, Director of the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine, for a discussion on the One Health movement and how it fits into climate action. Dr. Deem presents the background of One Health, including its definition, a historical perspective of One Health and examples of the Zoo's One Health work. She also discusses how the One Health approach is imperative to ensure planetary health and to work toward climate stability.

 

Climate 101

Hannah Phillips, Manager of Docents and Interpreters for the Saint Louis Zoo, kicked off our webinar series on Sept. 9 by reviewing the principles of both climate change and climate change communication to help us all learn the most productive ways to discuss it with family and friends. Having positive and productive conversations with our peers is a great way to open the door to solutions-focused thinking and a problem-solving mindset. Watch the presentation.