IAP 2013 Activities by Sponsor - Joint Program/Science and Policy of Global Change

Michael Davidson, Paul Kishimoto

Jan/31

Thu

01:00PM-03:00PM

E51-335

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

The inaugural address also mentioned that a "path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult" and will involve "technology that will power new jobs and new industries". But political opponents sometimes finger climate policy as a "job-killer".

This session will outline how energy use and greenhouse gas emissions are linked to the world economy and the technologies we use, how climate change impacts affect us, and discuss the difference between "mitigation" and "adaptation" with options that governments have for each. It will also survey policies in place, and major challenges and opportunities as the U.S. and other countries work towards coordinated action.

Sponsor(s): Joint Program/Science and Policy of Global Change
Contact: Anthony Tran, E19-411R, 617 253-7492, TONES@MIT.EDU

Daniel Rothenberg

Jan/24

Thu

01:00PM-03:00PM

E51-151

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

Obama cited "the overwhelming judgment of science" about "the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms." What IS the climate, anyway? How is it changing, and how do those changes give rise to these major impacts?

This two-part session introduces the fundamentals of climate science and provides an overview of what climate scientists know about our current and future climate. The talk will begin with a walkthrough of the greenhouse effect, highlighting key principles that form the base of climate science. It will continue with an overview of of climate change, including an introduction to human-induced and natural climate forcing components such as greenhouse gas emissions, ozone, and volcanic eruptions and aerosols. Emphasis will be placed on the complexity and uncertainty regarding current understanding and future projections of earth's climate.

Sponsor(s): Joint Program/Science and Policy of Global Change
Contact: Anthony Tran, E19-411R, 617 253-7492, TONES@MIT.EDU

Amanda Graham, Director of Education, MITEI

Jan/29

Tue

01:30PM-03:30PM

10-105

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required

MIT students: Are you involved in research related to climate adaptation or climate mitigation? Would you like to share your work with state officials leading Massachusetts’ efforts to prepare for climate variability? Apply here by midnight on January 24 to have your work considered for a showcase on January 29, 1:30-3:30 pm on the MIT campus.

Selected participants will present highlights of their research to officials from Massachusetts agencies, including the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The event will include brief remarks and 3-5 powerpoint slides by each selected participant as well as informal conversation. MIT community members are welcome to attend the event to learn and discuss.

Co-hosted by the MIT Energy Initiative, the Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, and the Department of Anthropology.

Space is limited. MIT community members: please register here to attend this event.

Sponsor(s): MIT Energy Initiative, Joint Program/Science and Policy of Global Change, Urban Studies and Planning
Contact: Amanda Graham, E19-370K, 617 253-8995, AGRAHAM@MIT.EDU