FARMINGTON — Recent extreme weather events have caused many people to ask if they are evidence of climate change.

The University of Maine at Farmington invites campus and community members to explore that question during a forum titled “State of the Planet, Intergenerational Justice and Our Collective Future.” It’s planned for the spring semester.

Other topics explored include the workings of the complex human-earth system, the political hurdles associated with climate science and future prospects.

The goal of this series of free and open-to-the-public events is to create a forum where the campus and local community can learn about the science across academic disciplines and engage in creative discussion on the best way to move forward.

Highlights of the series will include a talk by Charles Langmuir, Higgins Professor of Geochemistry at the Harvard University Center for the Environment. He is the lead author of the 2012 book “How to Build a Habitable Planet: The Story of Earth from the Big Bang to Humankind.”

Also featured will be presentations by Colin Woodard, award-winning investigative journalist and author; Dr. George Jacobson, professor emeritus, Climate Change Institute and School of Biology and Ecology and Maine State Climatologist; and expert UMF faculty at events throughout the spring semester.

These events include:

Wednesday, Feb. 6, noon. How Does Earth’s Climate Work? Julia Daly, UMF associate professor of geology.

People and Changing Climate: the Archaeological Evidence Luke Kellett, UMF sustainability coordinator.

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 11:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Economic and Political Hurdles: U.S. Politics Film “Climate of Doubt” and discussion with Linda Beck, UMF associate professor of political science; Wendy Harper, UMF associate professor of economics; Luke Kellett, UMF sustainability coordinator; and Doug Reusch, UMF associate professor of geology.

Wednesday, Feb. 27, noon. Maine’s Climate Future, Dr. George Jacobson, Maine State climatologist.

Wednesday, March 13, noon. What Are the Alternatives to a Fossil-Fueled Economy? Paul Stancioff, UMF associate professor of physics, and Peter Hardy, UMF associate professor of mathematics.

Wednesday, March 27, noon. Economic and Political Hurdles: Global Politics; Film “The Island President” and discussion with Wendy Harper, UMF associate professor of economics, and Linda Beck, UMF associate professor of political science.

Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m. Colin Woodard, award-winning investigative journalist and author.

Wednesday, April 10, 4 p.m. Humankind at the Helm: Civilization in a Planetary Context. Dr. Charles Langmuir, Higgins Professor of Geochemistry at the Harvard University Center for the Environment.

Wednesday, April 17, noon. Wrap-up Session: What Did We Learn? Where Next? Moderated by Kathryn A. Foster, UMF president. An opportunity for the campus and local community to reflect on the forum and next steps.

All events will be held in Lincoln Auditorium, UMF Roberts Learning Center. An updated schedule of events can be viewed online at http://umf.maine.libguides.com/stateofplanet.

The University Forum is sponsored by the UMF Sustainable Campus Coalition, Interdisciplinary and General Education Committee, Divisions of Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and the Provost’s Office.