By Lookout Staff

October 18, 2013 – A new Santa Monica-based group launched to help tackle climate change will host a “Kick-Off Forum” this month in the bayside city.

California Climate Change Exchange (CA-CCX) will host presentations by notable environmental activists, educators and policymakers Sunday, October 27 from 12:45 to 3:30 p.m. at the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill Street.

“The event is the first in a series of climate change-related forums and workshops, designed to educate and engage community members in direct action,” the group’s officials said in a statement. 

Speakers at the Kick-Off will include:

• Jonathan Parfrey, executive director of Climate Resolve and visiting lecturer at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, who will discuss local impacts and action.

• State Senator Fran Pavley, whose district includes Santa Monica, will speak about climate change and environmental policy in California. Pavley has authored landmark laws capping greenhouse gas emissions that have become models for other states and nations.

• Bill Selby, author and Professor of Geography and Earth Science at Santa Monica College, will present an overview of the origins and current state of climate change.

CA-CCX is a project of the Church in Ocean Park, which has been a key player in local rent control and living wage movemnets.

The new group “empowers individuals to learn about climate change, locally and beyond, and match their talents and passion with organizations that confront it,” group leaders said.

“We’re very fortunate to live in a state that leads the way in climate-related policy and research,” said co-founder Katherine King. “Our group is working to mobilize people at the local scale and address the climate emergency as individuals within an informed, energized community.”

Admission is free. Due to limited space, those wishing to attend are urged to register online at http://www.churchop.org/ca_ccx_forum, or call Zac at 310.399.1631. Attendees are urged to walk, bike or use public transportation. Limited street parking will also be available.