In its inaugural lecture series, the JISAO (Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean) launches an annual event to bring science of local, regional, and global significance to the public. A leader in the environmental sciences, JISAO fosters collaborative research between the University of Washington and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in climate, ocean and fishery sciences. This year's lecture series addresses the timely and critical issue of global warming. JISAO is honored to host three speakers of national stature who will discuss the challenges and opportunities before us: King County Executive Ron Sims; Dr. Konrad Steffen, director of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences; and Dr. Jonathan Overpeck, director of the Institute for the Study of Planet Earth at the University of Arizona.