Southwest Colorado could face many different climate scenarios, speakers said at the Life-Long Learners Lecture series on Thursday in Noble Hall 130 at Fort Lewis College.

Marcie Bidwell, executive director of the Mountain Studies Institute, and Renee Rondeau, an ecologist at the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, were invited to give the lecture created by the Professional Associates of Fort Lewis College, Mitchell Davis, public affairs officer, said in an email.  

“The challenge with climate change in the future is still a mystery,” Bidwell said.

The Mountain Studies Institute is a non-profit research and education center based in the San Juan Mountains, and The Colorado Natural Heritage Program is a conservation organization associated with Colorado State University.

Three different scenarios were presented by Bidwell and Rondeau during the hour long lecture.

Each scenario has many different projections for temperature and precipitation change, which were discussed by the speakers.

Both scientists also focused on how to react to an uncertain future.

A local example of climate change in action is the area around Taylor Lake near Kennebec Pass, Rondeau said.

There is a distinct difference in the size of trees in the area between 1973 and 2016, she said.

The area began getting warmer in 1995, which promoted tree growth, she said.

Local residents and government can focus on solar energy and reducing CO2 emissions, Bidwell said.

Lectures occur at the same time and place every Thursday night until April 13, and are intended for the general public as well as students.