In recent years, discussions on the topics of climate change and a transition to clean energy have become increasingly prevalent. But, according to Matthew Popkin, founder/leader of the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Brightfields Accelerator, it’s time to take things beyond the realm of discussion and put tangible, actionable change into motion. 

Popkin is the featured speaker at the second annual Goodman Speaker Series lecture, being held on Thursday, Feb. 29. The event is sponsored by UNC alumni Casey ‘10 and Lindsey ‘10, M.A. ‘14, Goodman, with the goal of providing students, and others in the northern Colorado community, with opportunities to engage with a variety of relevant and compelling topics. 

“Beyond the Classroom: How Does the Clean Energy Transition Actually Happen?” is the title for this year’s lecture, and Popkin will take a close look at climate-related issues facing our world today, while exploring ways that those issues can realistically be tackled.     

“Too often in the climate change mitigation and energy transition conversations, we focus on what needs to happen and why we should do that. Yet, the most difficult and most necessary part is how this happens and how decisions actually get made,” Popkin said. “I’m excited to explore this “how” with the UNC community and discuss the decision-making processes, real-world trade-offs and lessons we can keep in mind.” 

As a nationally-recognized expert on landfill solar, community solar project design, leveraging funding and financing for the energy transition, Popkin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on how positive change can be implemented in the face of a handful of real-world hurdles.  

Brook Blair, Ph.D., professor of Political Science and International Affairs, as well as Casey’s former professor, mentor and collaborator on the series, helped select the speaker and topic for this year’s event.  

"Matthew has a great deal of expertise in translating theory into practice. That is, in turning what needs to be done into concrete plans and actions,” Blair said. “We are fortunate that he is willing to share his experience with our students and with the wider Northern Colorado community." 

Beyond getting the chance to engage with an industry expert on a topic that is increasingly relevant to our world, participants can take what they learn and apply it to their own lives long after the talk has ended. 

The second annual Goodman Speaker Series is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 29, from 2-4 p.m., in the University Center Spruces Suite. The event is free and open to the public, however, registration is requested.