Facing the Climate Change Challenge: Locally and Globally

Dr. Richard Gammon
Thursday, June 12th, 7 pm, NHE

Dr. Richard Gammon, a University of Washington Professor of Chemistry and Oceanography, will discuss the latest climate findings from 2007/2008, as well as a review of recent international climate reports. He will also present predictions of changes expected in this region, especially in agriculture and sea level, focusing on possible responses at the individual, state, federal and international levels. Dr. Gammon says, …”a narrow focus on physical changes in the Pacific NW misses the point and [sidesteps our ethical] responsibility.” In addition to the science, he will discuss possible human dimensions of climate change: mass migrations, desertification, food shortages and political instability.

Richard H. Gammon is Professor of Chemistry and Oceanography, and Adjunct Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington. He has recently served as Co-Director of the UW Program on the Environment (2004-2006) and was a co-author of the first Scientific Assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 1990). He served as Chief of the Carbon Dioxide Program, Geophysical Monitoring for Climate Change, directing the US program to measure CO2 in the global atmosphere (NOAA Environmental Research Laboratories, Boulder, 1982-84). His research has focused on atmospheric trace gases critical to climate change. Dr Gammon is actively involved in improving public understanding of the climate change challenge, speaking to governmental leaders, politicians, community groups and schools throughout Washington.

Admission: $5/members; $7/non-members