What does climate action actually look like in northern Illinois? From changing weather patterns and renewable energy to sustainable agriculture and land stewardship, addressing climate change starts with understanding the challenges and opportunities in our own communities.
DeCarbon DeKalb is launching a new season of DeCarbon Dialogues, a free monthly discussion series bringing together local experts, researchers, and community members to explore practical approaches to climate action.
The series begins Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and continues on the first Wednesday of each month through March 2027.
Upcoming DeCarbon Dialogues
November 4, 2026: What's Coming for Northern Illinois?
How will climate change affect northern Illinois? Explore projections for hotter summers, heavier rainfall, severe weather, and changing seasonal patterns.
The opening discussion features NIU meteorology researchers Kelvin Hawthorne, Caitlin Roufa, Thomas Schwent, and Dr. Quinton Lawton from the Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment.
December 2, 2026: Your House Is a Climate Solution
Discover how homes can contribute to climate solutions while improving energy efficiency and affordability.
Representatives from the Citizens Utility Board and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus will discuss weatherization, energy costs, electrification, and practical steps homeowners and renters can take to reduce their environmental impact.
January 6, 2027: Solar: Fact or Fiction?
Explore the opportunities and challenges of solar energy, including residential solar, community solar, utility-scale installations, electricity grids, land use, and economic considerations.
February 3, 2027: Can We Farm the Sun?
Can renewable energy production and agriculture work together?
Brooke Watson and Chauncey Watson IV from Watson Farms / Illinois Solar Grazing & Mowing will discuss agrivoltaics, solar grazing, and opportunities to integrate renewable energy production with agricultural land management and ecological stewardship.
March 3, 2027: Land Stewardship at Home
Explore how everyday landscapes can contribute to environmental sustainability.
Milton Dixon and Bill Wilson from Midwest Permaculture will discuss permaculture, foraging, food production, habitat creation, and ecological landscaping practices that support healthier ecosystems.
Event Details
When: First Wednesday of each month, November 2026 through March 2027
Time: 6:30–8 p.m.
Where: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL
Cost: Free and open to everyone
Who Can Attend: Students, faculty, staff, and community members. No prior knowledge or experience required!
Participants are welcome to attend individual sessions or the entire series.
Why Attend?
For Environmental Studies students, the DeCarbon Dialogues offer opportunities to connect classroom learning with environmental challenges and solutions in our own region.
The series explores topics related to climate science, energy transitions, sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, ecological restoration, and community resilience.
Students can also hear directly from researchers, sustainability professionals, and community organizations working on these issues throughout northern Illinois.
Save the Date: DeKalb County Earth Fest!
The conversations will build toward DeKalb County Earth Fest on Saturday, April 10, 2027, bringing together community members and organizations to celebrate sustainability and local climate action.
Learn More
Visit DeCarbon DeKalb's DeCarbon Dialogues webpage for additional information about the series.
For questions, contact DeCarbon DeKalb at hello@decarbondekalb.com.
Climate action begins close to home. Join the conversation, ask questions, and discover how local efforts can contribute to a more sustainable future!
