Scientific Proofs: Climate Change in the Ohio River Valley

Friday, February 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m.For Immediate Release (Louisville, KY—February 4, 2010) – The Louisville Science Center, in partnership with 89.3 WFPL and with participation from the University of Louisville, will host a conversation on the environmental implications for the Ohio River Valley on Friday, February 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Louisville Science Center, 727 West Main Street.The conversation will be the second in a series of after-hours, informal dialogue around timely science topics. The series, “Scientific Proofs,” will include six or eight conversations during the course of the year, designed to foster a more scientifically literate community by encouraging idea exchange, information sharing, and educational opportunities for individuals in an impartial venue.This conversation, “Climate Change in the Ohio River Valley,” will explore the growing evidence of global warming in our watershed. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data show that, by 2020, Louisville’s mean air temperature is set to rise between 2.3 and 3.9 degrees (F). Join us for an engaging discussion about the implications of that projection.Panelists will delve into the potential—and current—impacts on our natural resources and public health; the role of regional industries like manufacturing and mining; and what’s being done to mitigate these impacts as well as adapt to them. The conversation will be guided by audience questions and facilitated by Kristin Espeland Gourlay, managing editor of the Ohio River Radio Consortium.The February 26 dialogue features:· Dan Jones, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 21st Century Parks, Inc.Dan Jones founded 21st Century Parks, Inc., a non-profit managing a private/public partnership to develop The Fork, a 4000-5000 acre park and trail system in the last major undeveloped corridor surrounding Louisville. Jones holds a B.A. in East Asian Languages and Literature, a Master in Forestry from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in American and World History from Indiana University.· Arthur Williams, Senior Environmental Consultant, The Regulatory Assistance ProjectWilliams works with the Regulatory Assistance Project to assist public officials with electric utility regulation. He is the former director of the Jefferson County Air Pollution Control District. Previously, Williams was a partner heading the environmental practice of the Louisville law firm Woodward, Hobson, and Fulton, and served as commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection. He holds a B.A. and a J.D. from the University of Tennessee.· Robert R. Jacobs, Director, Graduate Program in Public Health School, University of LouisvilleJacobs directs the Public Health program at U of L, and his research interests include the health effects associated with exposures to organic dust in agricultural and industrial environments as well as international environmental health. He received his Ph.D. in environmental sciences and engineering from the University of North Carolina.· Keith Mountain, Professor and Chair of Geography and Geosciences, University of LouisvilleMountain is a climatologist with a specialty in glaciology and global climate change. He has been part of more than 30 expeditions to study existing glaciers and ice sheets so as to understand the Earth's climate history. His research relates to the details of how glaciers and ice sheets interact with the climate system and what the current global retreat of glaciers tells us about climate change, prospects for the Earth's future climate, and how humankind can expect to interact with this change. He has been on the faculty at the University of Louisville since 1994 and is involved with climate analyses for Louisville, Kentucky and the Ohio Valley.The dialogue is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and advance reservations are required. To reserve tickets, call (502) 560-7130 or email jenna.spear@louisvilleky.gov. A cash bar will be available.About The Louisville Science CenterThe Louisville Science Center is a nonprofit educational institution that encourages people of all ages to enjoy science, a mathematics and technology in a stimulating and engaging environment that is educational as well as entertaining. Designated the “State Science Center of Kentucky” by the 2002 Kentucky General Assembly, the Louisville Science Center features interactive exhibits and engaging programs for children, families and adults. The Louisville Science Center is committed to growing a scientifically literate community that investigates, questions, and challenges.About 89.3 WFPL89.3 WFPL, Louisville’s NPR News Station, is the trusted source for independent, fact-based news. We offer 24/7 local, national and international news, culture, and public affairs. As other media outlets narrow their scope and reduce local coverage, we are working to expand the breadth of local news and give voice to multiple perspectives. We know that local news informs, engages, and draws a community together.About The Ohio River Radio ConsortiumThe Ohio River Radio Consortium is the station’s regional environmental news service for public radio in the Ohio River Valley. The goal is to increase environmental literacy about the most critical issues affecting the watershed by sharing free content and tapping into a network of regional reporters.For more information, contact:Kristin Espeland GourlayEnvironmental Reporter /Ohio River Radio Consortium Managing EditorDirect Line: (502) 814-6546kespeland@wfpl.orgDanielle WallerCommunications ManagerLouisville Science CenterDirect Line: (502) 560-7159Cell: (502) 930-0784danielle.waller@louisvilleky.gov