World-renowned scientist to give climate talks

September 3, 2019

Photo by Ashley Rodgers, Texas Tech University. Katharine Hayhoe, a Texas Tech University professor, will speak about climate change, science and innovative solutions during a tour of Alaska.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition will host climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe for a series of public lectures.

Hayhoe was lead author of the National Climate Assessment under the Bush, Obama and Trump administrations. She was in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2014 and Fortune magazine’s World’s Greatest Leaders list in 2017, honors that recognize her ongoing effort to engage diverse groups in the climate change discussion.

Hayhoe’s study of climate change emphasizes “why it matters to us here and now,” stating that “the choices we’re making today have a significant impact on our future.”

While in Fairbanks, Hayhoe will speak at UAF on climate change, cutting-edge science and innovative solutions. The free lecture, sponsored by UAF’s Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Salisbury Theatre. The public is encouraged to arrive at 6 p.m. to explore information booths about how Alaskans are addressing climate change.

As part of her effort to bridge the gap between scientists and Christians, Hayhoe will give a second free talk on the roles of faith and science in caring for people and creation. This lecture, sponsored by the Inter-Faith Working Group of the Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition, will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Friends Church, 1485 30th Ave.

Fairbanks will be the first stop on Hayhoe’s tour of Alaska, which will also include visits to Anchorage and Juneau.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather McFarland, 907-474-6286, hrmcfarland@alaska.edu.