Join Chicago Studies for their new annual signature event, which features a distinguished scholar-practitioner addressing a topic of existential importance to the Chicago region. This year, the lecture will focus on introducing the theme of climate change and the ways in which it threatens, but also its potential opportunities. The event is presented by Professor Harold L. Platt (History and Urban Studies, Loyola University Chicago) and based on his 2018 book, Sinking Chicago, which chronicles Chicago’s 150+ year struggle to combat the impacts of climatic shifts through strategies ranging from the reversal of the river to the raising of the grade of its streets, and through crises from the Great Fire to the extreme weather events and flooding of the mid-20th Century and the heat wave of the mid-1990’s. Dr. Platt will ultimately draw lessons from the crises detailed in his book for Chicago’s future, as we prepare for an increasingly unstable climate. Chicago Studies will continue their conversation about “Climate and the City” in Winter Quarter with a mini-conference sponsored by Chicago Studies and partners from across campus – more information coming soon!
“Urban October: Sinking Chicago” will take place at Room 142 in 1155 E. 60th Street on October 14th, 2021, 6:30 PM CST. Register here.
This event is open to all invitees regardless of vaccination status and, because of ongoing health risks to the unvaccinated, those who are unvaccinated are expected to adopt the risk mitigation measures advised by public health officials (masking and social distancing, etc.). Public dining may not be safe for all and carries a risk for contracting COVID-19, particularly for those unvaccinated. Participants will not know the vaccination status of others, including venue staff, and should follow appropriate risk mitigation measures.
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Chicago Studies works to help the College forge genuine bonds with Chicago’s diverse communities. They offer classes, programs, and resources that support student engagement with Chicago, enabling students to have a positive impact on their new home.