Friday Talks with Deschutes Public Library
Fridays, April 18 and July 18, 2025
OLLI-UO in Central Oregon is partnering with Deschutes Public Library to offer free public lectures at the Downtown Bend Library on select Fridays throughout the year. All lectures will take place in the Brooks Room. Registration is not required. Central Oregon members are encouraged to invite guests!
Oregonians Pay the Price: The Growing Economic Costs of Climate Change
Friday, April 18, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
DESCRIPTION
Climate change is an urgent issue for Oregonians to tackle today, as the rewards–improving lives, saving money, and enhancing quality of life–far outweigh the costs of action. As a member of the Forum on Oregon Climate Economics (FORCE), natural resource economist Ernie Niemi presents evidence from a new report detailing the economic costs of climate change for Oregonians. Niemi highlights how climate-related disruptions, such as heatwaves, wildfires, and ecosystem damage are already affecting personal income, the cost of living, and Oregon’s overall economy. Through this “first look” analysis, Niemi emphasizes that the economic consequences of climate change are not distant—they are happening now and will continue to grow unless immediate actions are taken. His presentation underscores the urgency of addressing climate change to avoid higher future costs and to protect the well-being of Oregonians.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Ernie Niemi is a natural resource economist and President of Natural Resource Economics, Inc., an international consultancy which he founded in 2012. With degrees from the University of Oregon and Harvard, Niemi has taught economic analysis at the University of Oregon and has served in various advisory roles, including with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. He specializes in economic-impact analysis and the valuation of natural resources. His work focuses on resource management, climate adaptation, and the economic value of ecosystems. Niemi has presented his findings to various decision-making bodies, including congressional and international organizations.
LOCATION
Dark Sky Preservation in Oregon
Friday, July 18, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
DESCRIPTION
Every day needs a night. Life on Earth evolved under a regular cycle of dark nights and bright days–a rhythm that is encoded in all living things. We need light at night for human activity, but poorly designed artificial light at night is a wasteful pollutant and has serious impacts on natural ecosystems and on our own human health. Join Dr. Bill Kowalik, Chairperson of DarkSky Oregon, for a thought-provoking presentation illustrating the increasing levels of light pollution across the state. Dr. Kowalik also highlights a hopeful trend: communities, parks, and regions are beginning to recognize the ecological and economic value of preserving dark skies.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Bill Kowalik, received his B.S. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.S. in Geology from Pennsylvania State University and his Ph.D. in Applied Earth Sciences from Stanford. He is a founding board member and current Chairperson of DarkSky Oregon, an organization dedicated to preserving “Oregon’s magnificent dark skies” and diminishing “light pollution for the health, safety, and well-being of all life.” Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Kowalik has lived in Virginia, Colorado, California, Western Australia and now resides in Bend. Bill has 35 years of industry experience in remote sensing, exploration and technology development.
LOCATION
Friday Talks with Deschutes Public Library
OLLI-UO in Central Oregon is partnering with Deschutes Public Library to offer free public lectures at the Downtown Bend Library on select Fridays in 2024.
All lectures will take place in the Brooks Room. Registration is not required. Central Oregon members are encouraged to invite guests!
