20th Annual Global Issues Conference: Global Climate Change
Manchester, CT – (September 21, 2006) . . . More and more evidence points to the grave consequences of a changing climate. Manchester Community College has invited leading scientists, policy makers and citizens to discuss this complex issue at the 20th Annual Global Issues Conference: Global Climate Change on Saturday, October 21 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The conference will be held in the SBM Charitable Foundation Auditorium, located in the Arts, Sciences and Technology Center at Manchester Community College.
The conference will feature experts in the Environmental Science field including, Dr. Anji Seth, Assistant Research Professor of Geography at the University of Connecticut; Dr. Johan “Joop” C. Varekamp, Harold T. Stearns Professor of Earth Science at Wesleyan University; and Bryan Garcia, Director of Energy Market Initiatives at the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. Their talks will focus on the science, policy and politics of global climate change, and how individuals, communities and organizations can help safeguard the planet for future generations.
The conference will also feature the PBS film “Global Warming: The Signs and the Science.” Filmed in the United States, Asia and South America, the documentary film brings the reality of climate change to life and shows examples of people making a difference in their own communities. The one-hour film will be shown on Tuesday, October 17 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and on Saturday, October 21 at 2 p.m.
Dr. Anji Seth is a climate scientist and she holds adjunct faculty positions at Columbia University and the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Seth’s research seeks to understand how and why climate varies naturally, and how changes in climate are likely to evolve in the next century in particular regions.
Dr. Johan “Joop” C. Varekamp is a geochemist, a geologist and a volcanologist who specializes in the studies of active volcanoes, environmental change in Long Island Sound, the chemistry of hydrothermal systems and crater lakes, sea level rise, mercury pollution and global change. He categorizes most of his work as analytical, with the addition of extensive field work for sample collection and some diversions into modelling.
Bryan Garcia works with grassroots non-profit organizations, foundations and public agencies to initiate and manage social and environmental investments and projects that create awareness of clean energy and its benefits to society. His interest is in sustainable enterprises that create economic value, respect the environment and contribute to social development.
The conference and film are free and open to the public. Registration for the conference is online at www.mcc.commnet.edu/global or by calling 860-512-2691; no pre-registration for the film is necessary.
Founded in 1986 by Professor Fatma Antar, the annual Global Issues Conference is a grassroots effort to promote understanding of foreign cultures and international affairs. The goal of the conference is to improve the public’s understanding of international issues by presenting a program of distinguished, internationally known speakers. The conference provides a forum to introduce and to examine issues that affect international relations in areas such as politics, economics, history, religion, art, culture and law.
Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.
