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This is a posting of current events relating to environmental science and policy that we might be discussing at our meetings.
If you have any items to contribute, please
let us know!
Posted Mar 16, 2008
"Ethical issues in climate mitigation and geoengineering"
Prof. Jeff Downard, Philosphy, Northern Arizona University
Tuesday March 18 at 3:30pm in 101 Nierenberg Hall
Abstract of talk:
In an editorial essay in Climatic Change, Paul Crutzen argues we should devote more research and serious discussion to options such as the proposal of injecting sulfur into the stratosphere as a response to the warming of the climate. Such proposals to geoengineer the climate are extremely controversial. Many scientists, policy makers and lay people react in a similar manner. They find the idea repugnant, but are challenged to articulate exactly what it is that is problematic. According to some, geoengineering is just one more way to feed society's addiction to fossil fuels. Given the fact that human beings are largely responsible for much of the warming trend, they maintain that we ought to take responsibility for our actions and devote our efforts to mitigating the causes of climate change. In this presentation, I will examine the ethical questions that arise from such claims that we have strong moral reasons for making mitigation our highest priority. After challenging common assumptions about the nature of our responsibility, I will examine three related suggestions that bear on the question of what it is that might be morally worrisome about proposals to geoengineer the climate.
Posted Dec 28, 2007
"Global Warming: the population connection"
Joseph J Bookstein, MD
Professor Emeritus Radiology, University of California, San Diego
Tuesday February 26th at 10am in 4500 Hubbs Hall
Abstract of talk:
The root cause of climate change is the unsustainable needs and wants of the human population.
Most proposals for slowing climate change emphasize costly technical remedies, often still in developmental stages,
which are applicable primarily in the more developed countries.These remedies all have significant disadvantages:
limited impact, immature technology, counter-productivity, unacceptable cost, adverse environmental consequences,
and/or high risk. Expensive technical strategies are impractical in the less developed countries, in which live 80%
of world population, and which generate more than 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. While many strategies can play an
ancillary role, adequate control of global warming will require prompt stabilization and then major reduction of global
population. Despite resistance from many sectors, feasibility and methods for prompt and humane population reduction
are available, and such strategies will be presented.
Posted Oct 18, 2004How Beer Keg-makers may save
the environment
Snowmobiles in National Parks
Renewable Energy in the U.K.
A Hydrogen fuel problem solved?
Emerging Emission Credit Marketplace
Posted Mar 12, 2004Bush increasing allowed production of ozone-depleting chemical due to be phased out
Western Water Resource crises may no longer require abnormally dryseasons
Climate Change next biblical flood?
Spanish waters a testground for energy-producing buoys
Posted Mar 2, 2004 Climate Ark: A nice site that pools together climate/policy related media articles from all over the world
The Union of Concerned Scientists Scientific Integrity Report
An article about Professor Ramanathan's Research on the Atmospheric Brown Cloud
The Disappearing Islands of Tuvalu
An overview of the Pentagon Climate Change report
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