The School of Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES) will host a free, public panel discussion on microbiomes and global sustainability on March 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, CO.

Microbiomes are the community of microscopic organisms in any given habitat and are vital to the maintenance of life on Earth. They help regulate the cycling of biological materials and waste. They also produce and capture greenhouse gases and are thus important factors in climate change, and play essential roles in soil structure and the quality and productivity of land, seas, lakes, and rivers. Understanding microbiomes, their diversity, and their essential role in Earth’s environment is a critical piece of developing lasting sustainability solutions.

The CSU panelists will describe new developments in microbiome science and discuss how microorganisms and microbial technology can help us achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Panelists:

• Zaid Abdo: Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology
• Ed Hall: Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
• Erika Szymanski: Department of English
• Mike Wilkins: Department of Soil and Crop Sciences

Moderator: Gene Kelly, SoGES Faculty Research Liaison, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station and Associate Dean of Extension