For release: March 18, 2009
Contact: Tom Armstrong, 703-648-6917, tarmstrong@xxxxxxxx
Jennifer LaVista, 703-648-4432, jlavista@xxxxxxxx
Media Advisory: Science for Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change
The United States faces the alarming possibility of abrupt climate change in the 21st century. Slight changes in climate may trigger major abrupt ecosystem responses - or "tipping points" - that are not easily reversible. The United States could be threatened by continued glacier and ice-sheet melting, sea-ice retreat, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, insect outbreaks, expanded areas of drought, and increased wildfires. These and other impacts pose clear risks to society in terms of our ability to adapt, especially if we are unprepared. Come learn how the USGS is working with partners to provide the science necessary for understanding current and future climate conditions and developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies, to help the Nation prepare for an uncertain future.
What
The media and public are invited to a congressional briefing to learn how the USGS is working with the U.S. Climate Change Science Program to provide the science necessary for understanding current and future climate conditions and developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Who
Robert Corell, Vice President of Programs at The Heinz Center
Peter Schultz, Director of the Climate Change Science Program Office
Virginia R. Burkett, Chief Scientist for Global Change Research at USGS.
Thomas Armstrong, Senior Advisor for USGS Global Change Programs
When
Friday, March 20
10:00 a.m
Where
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
Congressional Sponsors
Representative Vernon Ehlers (MI)
Representative Jim Moran (VA)
USGS provides science for a changing world. For more information, visit www.usgs.gov.
Subscribe to USGS News Releases via our electronic mailing list or RSS feed.
**** www.usgs.gov ****
Jennifer LaVista
Public Affairs Specialist
U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Communications
703-648-4432
Email: jlavista@xxxxxxxx
Science sounds like this: usgs.gov/podcasts
