Climate Change, Global Warming Focus of UW Symposium

Oct. 24, 2007 -- Global warming, its effects, and possible solutions will be discussed at the 2007 University of Wyoming Symposium on Climate Change Thursday, Nov. 1.

This free event is presented by the UW Climate Change Committee (C3), a faculty group working with the UW Research Office and the Office of the President to coordinate a campus-wide initiative on climate change.

"Our activities are primarily research and outreach oriented," says C3 chair and UW anthropology professor Sarah Strauss. "We have been working directly with the President's Office since July to support the effort he has made by signing the University President's Climate Change Agreement."

The day will start with a lunch-time panel discussion, "Climate Science 101," from noon-1:30 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Skylight Lounge. UW professors from the atmospheric science, geography, economics and finance, and anthropology departments will answer frequently asked questions about climate change.

William Schlesinger from the Institute for Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, N.Y., will present "Global Climate Change: Causes, Impacts and Responses" from 3-5 p.m. in Room 129 of the Classroom Building. Schlesinger will discuss the basis of the greenhouse effect, past changes in climate, recent changes due to human activity, and what can be done to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

"The Business and Politics of Climate Change," presented by Anne Arquit Niederberger of Policy Solutions, will close the symposium from 7-9 p.m. in Room 129 of the Classroom Building. Niederberger will discuss the shortcomings of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's current commitments and what must be accomplished with future planning.

One-hour discussion groups of the freshman READ book, "Beyond Oil" by Kenneth Deffeyes, will take place throughout day at various campus locations.

The symposium is sponsored by UW Office of the President, School of Energy Resources, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, and various UW departments. All events are free and open to the public. For more information contact Strauss at (307) 766-5310 or e-mail strauss@uwyo.edu.

Photo:
Anthropology Professor Sarah Strauss

Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2007

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