As your e-conference team, we are looking forward to this dialogue with you, which in many cases is a formal continuation of ongoing personal discussions. We’re excited to share this opportunity for further involvement, and eager to see where these discussions lead.

Purpose & structure

The purpose of this e-conference series is to provide an easily accessible platform for moderated discussions between global stakeholders about the socio-cultural aspects of climate change. Conducted online and by email exchange, e-conferences encourage a broad base of participation by circumventing many of the hurdles of more traditional conference formats.

To facilitate the proceedings, our exchange will be led through a framework of topics and questions for discussion that will guide progress through the e-conference agenda. In addition, online discussion archives will be maintained for easy reference.

Getting started

As the e-conference begins, we invite you to share a brief introduction about yourself. While we know some participants from previous activities, there are many new faces and names to learn. We are delighted to have so many participants representing such varied disciplines joining the roster: Our group includes representatives from the public and private sectors, from governmental and non-governmental organizations, from for- and not-for-profit ventures, and more. Participants come from around the globe: Six continents and over 80 countries are represented among our ca. 500 registrants. We appreciate your participation; such varied perspectives are sure to enrich the e-conference proceedings.

All participants are encouraged to join the discussion as it unfolds. Regardless of your background, experience, or perspective, as a personal stakeholder in the issues of climate change, your input is valuable. Joining us are those both new and experienced: from experts who have already made substantial contributions in the field, both theoretical and practical, to those just coming on board who will no doubt leave their mark in much the same fashion. These are the initial boundaries we must cross: Thank you for being a part of this transdisciplinary initiative!

We hope you enjoy the discussions, and look forward to working with you over the next few weeks. Once again, welcome one and all, and thank you for joining us: We look forward to getting to know you!

Best regards,

Mary Leyser & Gennady Polikarpov

NEXT:        Introductory Comments and Important Technical Details

NEXT:        E-Conference Agenda