Our February Program

Every month, we try to conduct a program that will interest our members and be a draw to the larger community. In February, we hope we have put together a panel that will catch your attention and inform you about the decisions we have to make in the near future. Please join us on February 18th!

Global Climate Change: From Science to Action

Humans are conducting a kind of "science experiment" on the planet. Every year we release over 30 billion tons of atmospheric CO2 along with many other pollutants, including 400 billion pounds of reactive nitrogen in fertilizer.

The experiment asks: What happens to a planet when subjected to these conditions?

The changes that have been documented so far include atmospheric CO2 rise, sea level rise, ocean acidification, polar ice decrease, glacial retreat, early onset of Spring, and many others. Although it is hard to model these changes, a significant majority of scientists agree human pollutants are the primary cause and the worst-case predictions for this century are very distressing.

Is this an experiment we want to continue?

Our three speakers are very concerned and have chosen to speak publicly. Even if you don't share their sense of urgency to act, their views will provide a sense of urgency to learn more about this issue.

Bob Brown is a UW Emeritus Professor of Atmospheric Science. He has done research and writing on the mathematics of atmospheric dynamics and has, for many years, been involved in the collection and analysis of satellite data. He will report on the very latest developments in global warming theory and data.

Guillaume Mauger is a climate scientist with the UW Climate Impacts Group studying concrete, identifiable changes resulting from climate change. During his personal time, he studies what we can do to minimize the impacts of climate change, and provides scientific advice to citizen groups. He will tell us about greenhouse gas emissions targets and current Federal legislation designed to reach them.

Doug Howell is the Campaign Director for the Sierra Club's NW Beyond Coal campaign. He has an extensive background in energy policy at Seattle City Light and elsewhere. He is on the forefront of efforts to take action to promote the move away from fossil fuels, especially coal, to clean alternatives. He will discuss Washington State issues, including current negotiations between the Governor and TransAlta (owner of the Centralia coal plant), related legislation, and the status of I-937.