Photo: Courtesy of University of Chicago

Environmental policy experts debate the President’s legacy on climate change at the International House, Assembly Hall (above) tonight at 6 p.m.

In his first term, President Obama’s green ambitions fell flat. His State of the Union address promised action on limiting greenhouse emmissions: “If Congress won’t act soon to protect future generations, I will,” he said. But will he?

The University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics hosts a 1.5 hour panel tonight at 6 p.m. to address the President’s complicated legacy on climate change. Carol Browner, Coral Davenport, and Mark Templeton will discuss the possibilities for legislative or executive action. Michael Hawthorne, environment reporter at Chicago Tribune, will moderate the debate.

Curious? Here’s what you need to know about each panelist.

Carol Browner is Obama’s former climate and energy advisor and former administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency. Having spent two years at the White House, she told Reuters last fall that she is confident in the president’s commitment to green initiatives.

Coral Davenport reports on climate change for National Journal, offering insider knowledge on the progression of Obama’s climate agenda.

Mark Templeton is the director of Abrams Environmental Law Clinic at U of C. Before that, he helped make sure the $20 billion fund BP established reached those affected by the 2010 spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The panel is free and open to the public. Reserve seats here.

Institute of Politics, International House, Assembly Hall, 1414 East 59th Street, Chicago.