A Vision for Addressing Climate Change

Date: March 31, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Exhibits continue until 1 p.m.

Location: Cumnock Hall Auditorium, UML North, One University Avenue, Lowell
      
Description: The need for action on climate change is clear.  This event, called “A Vision for Addressing Climate Change,” will provide a panel of decision makers and industry leaders who will discuss their views of the challenges and best approaches for addressing climate change both for the U.S. and for New England. 

A brief summary of ongoing and potential climate impacts for New England will be provided by a UMass Lowell climate scientist, followed by panelist statements and a moderated panel discussion.  Questions for the panel will include topics such as identifying the most pressing problems, needed actions over both the short term (two to four years) and long term (decades), and decision-making in the face of both real and perceived scientific uncertainty. 

The panel includes representatives of the federal and state government, leaders from the energy industry and climate and health experts:

• Ian Bowles, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
• Mish Michaels, WBZ-TV meteorologist – panel moderator
• Rev. Fred Small, Co-Chair, Religious Witness for the Earth
• Howard Berke, Executive Chairman, Konarka Technologies Inc.
• Dana DeCosta, Senior Product Manager, Vectrix Corp.
• Alexander “Sandy” Taft, Director, U.S. Climate Change Policy for National Grid
• Dr. Mathew Barlow, UML Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Dr. Joel Tickner, UML Department of Community Health and Sustainability

The University and its industry partners will also host exhibits from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to showcase alternative sources of energy. The list of exhibitors includes:

• Areva
• Azure Dynamics
• Energy Star
• Evergreen Solar
• Florida Light & Power/Seabrook
• Global Energy Concepts
• Konarka
• Mass AREA
• Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
• Mass Interfaith Power & Light
• New England Breeze
• Panel Pros
• Recycline
• UPC Wind
• Vectrix Corporation

The event is sponsored by the Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in cooperation with the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, the Office of Career Services, the School of Health and Environment and the Department of Community Health and Sustainability.

Contact: Martina_Witts@uml.edu or (978) 934-2267