Today, hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy globally. But building a dam changes the habitat upstream (and often downstream) and raises questions about the effect on fish and other parts of the ecosystem. Droughts and floods associated with a changing climate impact the reliability and safety of this form of electricity as well.

University of Colorado Distinguished Professor Diane McKnight '75, SM '78, PhD '79, will let us know about some of her research on the effect of water cycle changes, factors, and trends posing the greatest risks to ecosystems’ health.

Gia Schneider '99, CEO and Abe Schneider '02, SM '03, Co-Founders of Natel Energy, will present information on Natel's solution - fish-safe turbines. Natel's technology addresses both climate change change and biodiversity loss and how hydropower can promote healthy rivers.