The complex science behind global warming will be the focus of a special presentation at West Texas A&M University by atmospheric scientist Katharine Hayhoe and “Climate Change and West Texas: Facts, Fictions and Faith,” at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7 at the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, Legacy Hall. The event is free, and lunch will be provided.
Hayhoe’s presentation is made possible by WTAMU’s Distinguished Lecture Series, the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities and Humanities Texas. She will explore global warming and talk about what climate change means for people and the places they live. Hayhoe is known for bridging the gap between scientists and Christians, Katharine Heyhoeand she will highlight the key role faith and values play in shaping attitudes and actions on this crucial topic.
“Dr. Hayhoe’s talk provides a unique opportunity for students and community members to learn more about climate science and how our daily choices impact our environment in the short and long term, as well as a deeper understanding of the undeniable integration of science and faith,” Dr. Emily Hunt, dean of the School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, said. “As an engineer, I believe in the power and transformative impact of lifelong learning and strongly encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities provided by West Texas A&M University.”
Hayhoe is a professor and director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University. Her research focuses on establishing a scientific way of analyzing the regional impact of climate change by making observations, comparing future scenarios, evaluating global and regional climate models and building and assessing statistical models. She constantly seeks a better way to translate climate projections into information that is relevant to agriculture, ecosystems, energy, infrastructure, public health and water resources.
She has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and Fortune’s 50 World’s Greatest Leaders. She is one of the authors of A Climate for Change: Global Warming Facts for Faith-Based Decisions. Hayhoe is currently serving as lead author for the upcoming Fourth National Climate Assessment and producing the second season of her PBS digital studio short series, Global Weirding: Climate, Politics and Religion.
“The Society of Physics students is excited to help host this event,” Dr. Catherine Clewett, associate professor of physics, said. “We believe everyone needs to take a look at why they believe certain things, and Dr. Hayhoe has a real ability to talk to our students.”
Co-sponsors for the event are WTAMU’s Center for the Study of the America West, School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Physics and Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages as well as the Baptist Student Ministries and South Georgia Baptist Church.
“At CSAW, we are based in the humanities, but we feel strongly that we have to think across disciplines about issues that really matter to us here on the High Plains,” Dr. Alex Hunt, CSAW director, said. “Dr. Hayhoe’s work on climate science and her standing as a climate communicator makes this a really important event.”
For more information, contact Hunt at ahunt@wtamu.edu.
-West Texas A&M University
