Science in Society Speaker Series returns to ask the big questions about adapting to climate change

Okanagan College Media Release

Environmental changes such as rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, melting Arctic sea ice, unusual extreme weather patterns, and out-of-the-norm jet stream behaviour have scientists questioning the relationship between these observations. Have we reached an environmental tipping point, and if so, how can we adapt to this changing natural world?

Launching the return of the Science in Society Speaker Series at Okanagan College’s Vernon campus for another season of thought provoking public seminars is Dr. Richard Hebda, curator of Botany and Earth History at the Royal British Columbia Museum, Professor at the University of Victoria, and paleontologist for the province, who will explore what can be done to adjust to coming changes.

The public is invited to hear from Hebda as he presents “What can we do to adapt to a changing planet?” on Tuesday Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lecture Theatre at the College’s Vernon campus.

“Ever-evolving impact models clearly reveal that ecological transformation on a continental scale is on its way,” says Hebda. “It is vital that we strive to understand what defines the ecological integrity of our ecosystems and embed those characteristics in their management.”

The presentation will draw upon his extensive research with plant fossils and their distribution over time and place to shed light on the evolution of B.C.’s landscape and climate. He will help clarify what ecological integrity means, and how we can adapt to climate change including discussing how recent discoveries concerning B.C.’s alpine flora can help with large-scale adaptation strategies.

Admission to the event is $7 in advance or $10 at the door. For advanced tickets, please call the Okanagan Science Centre at (250) 545-3644. Visit www.okanagansisss.wordpress.com for more information.

Presented jointly by Okanagan College and the Okanagan Science Centre, the Science in Society Speaker Series is sponsored by the Best Western Vernon Lodge, Starbucks Coffee, Cooper’s Food, and the Vernon Morning Star.