Science for Alaska speaker tackles the economics of climate change

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: 907-474-5823
02/11/08

Alaska is warming at a phenomenal rate. As temperatures rise, the lives of Alaskans are altered as infrastructure adapts to those changes. Residents also can feel the impact of climate change in their pocketbooks. According to Britteny Cioni (Chee-oh-knee), a term assistant professor of economics at the University of Alaska Southeast, climate change is the greatest market failure to date. Yet, it presents interesting issues for economists because of the uncertainties, time scale and international scope of the issue. Cioni will present "The Economics of Climate Change" Tuesday, Feb. 12.

At 7 p.m. in the Westmark Gold Room, Cioni will review the latest research concerning the economic costs and benefits of climate change, market failures and policy options. Her lecture will be the fifth installment in the 2008 Science for Alaska Lecture Series. All ages are welcome to attend this one-hour event. Admission is free.

The Science for Alaska Lecture Series brings the current research of University of Alaska scientists to the community in free presentations that are entertaining and educational. Since 1992, roughly 100,000 people statewide have enjoyed science lectures in the series. This year, Science for Alaska will run through Feb. 19. All lectures begin at 7 p.m. in the Westmark Gold Room.

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MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:
Britteny Cioni will be available to speak with media from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Westmark Gold Room, or by appointment, on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Please call 907-474-5823 for further details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.scienceforalaska.com

CONTACT:
Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute Information Officer: 907-474-5823