Described as a cross between Woody Allen and Carl Sagan for his humorous and accessible lectures on the science of climate change, Richard Alley has provided advice on policy matters related to energy and climate change to the highest levels of government.
On Tuesday, March 5 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Alley will share his considerable wit and scientific expertise at West Virginia University. He will present a lecture entitled “Energy, Climate and the Future: The Big Picture,” in G9 White Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
Alley, a glaciologist and climatologist, is the host of PBS‘s Earth: The Operator’s Manual. A registered Republican, geologist, former oil company employee and expert on climate change and renewable energy—Alley has said that we can avoid climate catastrophes, improve energy security and make millions of good jobs if we take a nuanced and measured approach to our needs involving mitigation, adaptation and innovation. His lecture will examine our current usage of fossil fuels, alternative energy options and practical, economically feasible solutions to our environmental concerns.
Alley received his doctorate in geology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1987. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Alley chaired the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council panel on Abrupt Climate Change and was the lead author for the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
In addition to PBS, he has been heard on BBC News and NPR on climate related topics. He has published over 225 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Geology and Science and his work has been profiled in publications such as Nature and Forbes.
The lecture is sponsored by the John C. and Mildred W. Ludlum Geology Fund.
For more information about the event, contact Dorothy Vesper at dorothy.vesper@mail.wvu.edu.
