TRUCKEE, Calif. — Sierra College biology professor Derek Larson will explore the facts surrounding climate change in “Climate Change 101,” a free program Friday at Sierra College.

As reported by major scientific agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, climate change is happening, and humans are contributing to it.

What are the consequences? Reports from the National Research Council show that changes in the average global temperature by two degrees can lead a 5 to 15 percent reduction in crop yield, up to 10 percent increase in the amount of rain falling during the heaviest precipitation events, and 200 percent or higher increase in the area burned by wildfire in parts of the western United States.

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“Scientists are still researching exactly how much Earth will warm, how quickly it will warm, and what the consequences of the warming will be in specific regions of the world,” shares the Environmental Protection Agency. “Scientists continue to research these questions so society can be better informed about how to plan for a changing climate. However, enough certainty exists about basic causes and effects of climate change to justify taking actions that reduce future risks.”

Community members and visitors to Tahoe-Truckee are invited to learn the basic mechanisms that regulate earth’s climate system during the science-based Sierra College Insights presentation.

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Larson, who has been teaching at Sierra College for fifteen years, studied climate and earth systems at Stanford University well before the term “climate change” came into public consciousness.

He describes his formal education experience as the basis for his interdisciplinary approach to teaching about the interactions between earth’s major spheres: lithosphere (geology), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere and biosphere.

“We will decouple science from hype and examine opposing arguments,” promises Larson, who holds a master’s degree in biology from Stanford University.

“Tapping into professors’ passions allows us all to think more deeply and connect with others who share an interest in thoughtful dialogue,” shares Dr. Kim Bateman, Executive Dean of Sierra College, Tahoe-Truckee.

Sierra College is accepting reservations for “Climate Change 101.” Visit sierracollege.ticketleap.com to make reservations for the 7 to 8:15 p.m. presentations (space is limited). Complimentary refreshments, sponsored by Starbucks, will be available from 6:30-7 p.m.

This article was submitted to the Sun on behalf of Sierra College, Tahoe-Truckee. For information, visit sierracollege.edu or visit the campus at 11001 College Trail in Truckee.