Choices and Challenges 2006

Changing Climate, Uncertain Future:
Facing Global Warming

A Choices and Challenges Forum
November 2, 2006

Schedule

Background Sessions - Graduate Life Center at Donaldson-Brown
These Sessions will be held twice: 8-9:15am and 9:30-10:45am.

The Energy-Environment Nexus

Room D

Explores the relationship between the environment, climate change, and energy and electricity production, generation, and consumption. Special emphasis is given to the electric utility and transportation sectors, which are responsible for a significant percentage of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.

Benjamin K. Sovacool, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Global Warming: A Scientific Background

Room C

A brief overview of the main scientific issues involved in Global Warming..

Richard C. Rich, School of Public and International Affairs and Political Science, Virginia Tech

The impact of climate change on biodiversity

Room B

Anthropogenic climate change has been identified as a great threat (possibly the greatest) to biodiversity alongside other longtime recognized threats - habitat destruction and fragmentation, over-harvesting, invasive species, and pollution. The discussion will focus on scientific predictions regarding ecosystems and species that climate change is likely to severely impact.

Eileen Crist, Science and Technology in Society, Virginia Tech

The Politics of Oil

Room F

Gives a broad overview of the cross-section between the politics of oil and global warming.

Tim Luke, Political Science, Virginia Tech

Main Panel - The Lyric Theater
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Moderator

Saul Halfon, Science and Technology in Society, Virginia Tech

Panelists (click here for more full biographical statements)

Brenda Ekwurzel works on the national climate program at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). She is leading UCS's climate science education work aimed at strengthening support for strong federal climate legislation and sound U.S. climate policies.

Bill Chameides is an atmospheric chemist. His research focuses on global biogeochemical cycles, global change, and urban and regional-scale air pollution.

Karen Litfin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Washington. She also is on the teaching faculty in the Program on the Environment at the University of Washington.

Eugene Linden is an award-winning writer on science, nature, and the environment, whose articles have appeared in many publications, including Time Magazine, National Geographic, and The New York Times

Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Follow-up Sessions - Graduate Life Center at Donaldson-Brown
2:30 PM to 3:45 PM

Cultural Representations of Global Warming

Room D

A panel discussion employing the lens of popular culture (including books, films, and commercials) to examine the history and future of Global Warming with a focus on the relationships among science, technology, and society.

Brandiff R. Caron (moderator), Science and Technology Studies, Virginia Tech

Does Global Warming Offer any Benefits to the Earth?	Room F
Discussions of global warming generally outline the many negative aspects of climate change. Yet, global warming (and cooling) have occurred repeatedly throughout geologic history. This session will examine the record of global climate change in the past and ask if some portions of the Earth system might benefit from future climate changes. Robert J. Bodnar, Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech
Sustainable Energy Solutions	Room B
Presents future possibilities of technological development and ways of integrating those technologies into social systems. John Randolph, School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech
Global Warming: Policy, Politics, and Culture	Room C

Explores the political and policy issues around global warming

Richard C. Rich, School of Public and International Affairs and Political Science, Virginia Tech

Coffee & Dessert Reception
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM