Annual Seminar SeriesThe Great Climate Change DebateSix Monthly Dinner SeminarsOctober 2007 through March 2008Kenwood Country Club |
Tues. Oct. 2, 2007 |
The Nature of the DebateAntonio J. Busalacchi When science meets controversy in the public policy arena, both the science and the policy can become transformed. When this occurs, it is essential to have a guide who can sort out the essential items of each. Professor Busalacchi is uniquely positioned to provide this guidance as a result of his experience as Chair of the National Academy of Sciences' Climate Research Committee combined with his work as Chief of the NASA/Goddard Laboratory for Hydrospheric Processes in the 1990s and since 2000 as Director of the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) at the University of Maryland College Park. |
Tues. Nov. 13, 2007 |
The Science of Climate Change--How Knowledge is Created and EvaluatedPeter H. Stone Slide Presentation (11 MB) One of the sources of contention in the climate change debate is the difficult way that contemporary climate science is carried out. The interaction between computer models (at different time and space scales) with data and theory (often developed for other purposes) has rendered the chains of induction and deduction complex and, for some people, problematic. Professor Stone will help us understand the sources, strengths, and weaknesses of scientific knowledge in this area. |
Tues. Dec. 11, 2007 |
Challenges to the Consensus: Evidence and FindingsS. Fred Singer, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Science, The University of Virginia Slide Presentation (6 MB) While there is a developing consensus on the nature and causes of climate change, there is also a community of scientists which rejects that consensus. Professor Singer is a leader among those who have emphasized natural factors over anthropogenic causes to explain global warming. An atmospheric physicist, he is a former director of the US Weather Satellite Service. |
Tues. Jan. 15, 2008 |
The Findings and Forecasts of the Climate Change ScientistsRonald G. Prinn One of the most difficult aspects of the debate is the number and complexity of the claims that go into the consensus conclusions. Professor Prinn will sort out these claims and help us understand the strengths and limitations of the most important positions and the science and modeling that was used to develop the positions. Prof. Prinn is a long-time researcher in climate change and has chaired many international and U.S. scientific organizations in the field. |
Tues. Feb. 12, 2008 |
The Economics of Climate ChangeHenry D. Jacoby Slide Presentation (1 MB) Some of the most important aspects of the debate are the consequences to the U.S. and the world if the consensus forecasts actually come to pass. Policy-makers in this area also need to understand the costs of action (and inaction) to change the future to moderate the predicted effects. Professor Jacoby will talk about some of the areas where climate change and amelioratory policies will have a significant economic effect. |
Tues. Mar. 11, 2008 |
The Future of the Climate Change DebateAndrew C. Revkin, Environment and Science Reporter, The New York Times The climate change debate will continue to be a key point of contention in American society and politics. With a presidential election on the horizon and clear distinctions among candidates on the issues presented in this Seminar Series, we are well advised to understand where the debate will be taking us in the next year or two. Mr. Revkin will talk about how the debate is likely to develop in this highly charged environment. |
The October session meets on the first Tuesday of the month, the January session meets on the third Tuesday, and the remaining sessions meet on the second Tuesday.
Each session begins at 6:15 p.m. with a cash bar, followed by dinner at 7:00, and the seminar from approximately 8:00 to 9:30.
Each of the seminar sessions will be held at the Kenwood Country Club, 5601 River Road, Bethesda, MD.
From the Beltway (I-495), use Exit 39, River Road. Go toward Washington, continue 2.8 miles. At the Springfield Drive stoplight turn left into Kenwood CC. There is plenty of free parking in the lots left and rear of the clubhouse.
From D.C., take Massachusetts Ave. NW to Westmoreland Circle at the DC line, turn right onto Western Avenue, turn left onto River Road. Proceed to 5601 and turn right into Kenwood Club.
Using mass transit take the Metro Red Line to Friendship Heights, then take the nine minute ride on the T2 Metrobus that leaves the station at 5:35, 5:57, and 6:15.
For more specific driving directions visit maps.google.com.
Register and pay by check using the coupon below. Or register online and pay by credit card using SmarTrans. Registrations will be accepted for the complete series only, although spaces are transferable for individual sessions. Club Partners may register via e-mail to Ray Daniels to raphaeldaniels@alum.mit.edu. Registrations must be received by September 28. Please note that SmarTrans does not do refunds, so there will be no refunds or credits if you pay by SmarTrans and cannot attend the series. Federal employees may submit an approved SF-182 for payment.
The series is open to MIT alums, their guests, and all others interested in the topic. Reservations will be accepted in the order received. Register early to avoid disappointment from oversubscription.
The cost of the series is $268 per person for members/guests and $300 for non-members, including dinner each session.
If you have questions about this event, contact Ken Gordon at 301-469-9240 or kengordon@alum.mit.edu.
General Chairman
Dr. Kenneth Gordon
Program Committee
Dr. Michael R. Leavitt
Mr. Ray Daniels
Dr. Robert Hershey
Dr. Bernard Paiewonsky
Mr. Robert L. Plouffe
Mr. Martin Rush
Dr. Robert Summers
Treasurer
Mr. Mark Joseph
Registration
Mr. Ray Daniels
Publicity
Dr. Robert Hershey
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Enclosed is a check made out to "MIT Seminar Series" for $_______ for _______ people ($268 each for dues-paid members and their guests; $300 each for nonmembers).
MIT alums can send a separate check for their dues, payable to the "MIT Club of Washington" ($30 for regular dues--see membership page for more info) with this registration; please check whether you are including your dues payment with this registration ( ____ yes ____no ), or have already sent in your 2007-2008 dues to Cynthia O'Connell ( ____ yes ____ no ).
Special Note: Please provide your current e-mail address since we will use it to disseminate reminders and any re-scheduling notices.
Name _______________________________________________________________ Class: _______
Guest(s) __________________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________
Phone ___________________________________(h) ___________________________________(b)
Fax _____________________ E-Mail __________________________________________________
Send your registration and payment to:
Mr. Ray Daniels
MIT Seminar Series
4700 Falstone Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5544
For additional information, telephone Kenneth Gordon at 301-469-9240 or e-mail to kengordon@alum.mit.edu.