The Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting will hold its 2017 Annual Public Lecture Series at the Corless Auditorium, University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, 218 South Ferry Road in Narragansett, June 5 – 9. All lectures are free and open to the public. The Institute is celebrating 20 years of excellence in bringing science to the conversation. The stellar lineup includes:
Monday, June 5, 3:30 p.m.
Johanna Polsenberg, The Ocean Health Index
Assessing the Health of Our Oceans
How can we protect the health of our oceans? Large-scale ocean datasets provide critical information for sustaining marine resources. Dr. Polsenberg of Conservation International will discuss the global Ocean Health Index and how it uses data to drive science-based policy and identify the research relevant for marine and coastal conservation.
Tuesday, June 6, 3:30 p.m.
Dan Kahan, Yale University
Science Communication in the Age of Fake News and Public Distrust of the Press
How do we effectively weigh the credibility of scientific information? Some would argue that greater public science literacy is the key, but this is not necessarily borne out by research. Dr. Kahan will describe how cultural barriers affect views of scientific evidence, and how we can use this knowledge to improve science communication.
Wednesday, June 7, 3:30 p.m.
Shreeram Inamdar, University of Delaware
Extreme Weather at the Watershed Scale: How to Protect Water Quality
Climate forecasts show that many regions will experience increased frequency or intensity of large storms, which could have serious consequences for water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Inamdar will discuss how these storms affect watershed health, management and policy, and how new research can identify ways to adapt.
Thursday, June 8, 3:30 p.m.
Cynthia Giles, Former U.S. EPA Assistant Administrator
Environmental Enforcement: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Delivering on the promise of environmental laws requires tough enforcement and innovative thinking about protecting the environment, including using cutting-edge monitoring and information technologies. Giles will talk about the past and future of these essential protections for communities across the country.
Friday, June 9, 11 a.m.
David Baron, Author and former Health and Science Editor for PRI’s The World.
The Great Eclipse of 1878 and the Dawn of American Science
On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will cross the U.S. for the first time in 99 years, offering a rare national opportunity to rally around a scientific event. Baron’s new story of the 1878 eclipse describes the event’s role in spurring America’s rise as a global scientific power. Author book signing to follow for American Eclipse: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World.
For more information visit http://metcalfinstitute.org/lectures/als-2017/
