Primary Sponsor: U.S. Department of State
Event Summary: The Arctic is warming at twice the rate as the global average with profound consequences for the region and communities all over the world. This multi-media event will explain the most recent scientific understanding of climate change impacts in the Arctic, and extrapolate from the Arctic example the scientific and policy challenges that are on the horizon for the rest of the world. Speakers from the scientific and policy communities will also highlight the actions that are being taken to slow the pace of warming and respond to climate change.
Each speaker will present for 10 minutes followed by a moderated Q&A. Dr. Stephen Vavrus will discuss current scientific research on climate change and the Arctic, including the role of arctic climate change on worldwide weather and weather extremes. Deputy Special Envoy Karen Florini will provide an overview of U.S. efforts domestically and through the Arctic Council to drive down emissions of super pollutants, expand access to renewable energy, and enable communities to better prepare for and respond to climate impacts in the Arctic. Using the NASA hyperwall to show powerful visualizations of Arctic changes and NASA’s ground-breaking research, NASA scientist Dr. John Reager will explain the science behind a changing Arctic, the relationship with extra-Arctic impacts and gaps in the science that require further study. Finally, Dr. David Weindorf will preview his feature length documentary, “Between Earth and Sky,” a film that explores the influence of climate change in Alaska.
