IAP 2026 provides members of the MIT community with a unique opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, including this lecture series on climate change produced by MIT’s Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy (CS3). Please join CS3 during IAP 2026 to learn more about the science of climate change and policies aimed at stabilizing the global climate.
January 13, 2026
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Climate Science 101
What is climate? This session introduces the components of our climate system, how these components interact, and what causes the climate system to change over time.
(Eric Roy, Sandeep Chinta, Paul Nicknish)
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM Coffee Break
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM Climate Policy 101
An introduction to climate policy and concepts such as externalities, public goods, and emissions
trading schemes.
(Dominic White and Lucas Desport)
January 14, 2026
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Climate Science 102
Explore climate impacts and uncertainties, along with the reversibility of climate change.
(Lexia Cicone, Shreya Sharma, Chris Womack)
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM Coffee Break
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM Climate Policy 102
This session ties in theory with practice and provides examples of environmental policies around
the world and their effectiveness. (Dominic White and Lucas Desport)
January 15, 2026
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Climate Science and Policy in Action
Let's put these lessons to the test! Featuring interactive demonstrations of concepts from days 1
and 2, this session will highlight challenges and opportunities for climate mitigation and
adaptation.
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM Panel Discussion
The session will conclude with presentations and a panel discussion with experts actively working
on climate policy and tech in Massachusetts!
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Cocktail Hour