Global Climate Change | Evolution Matters | Other Lectures

Global Climate Change: Species and Places

All lectures are held in the Charmaine and Maurice Kaplan Theater. Books are available for purchase in the Museum Store. Don't forget to see our new Webcasts.

Lecture Times: 6:30–8 PM
Please arrive early to go through security and obtain seating.
For a printable (PDF*) copy of the schedule, click here.

Join us for the second year of our popular lecture series on climate change. Global Climate Change: Species and Places will feature international experts who will report on the effects of climate change on various wildlife species and habitats here in southern California and around the world.

Local Impacts of a Changing Climate
Walter Oechel, Ph.D., San Diego State University
The predicted growth of the San Diego/Tijuana region will cause increased pressure on existing ecosystems—not only their survivability and sustainability, but also their potential to adapt to future climate change. Southern California has implemented a Multi-Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) designed to provide habitat and ecosystems for the region’s threatened, endangered, and endemic species. Though it is a step in the right direction, the MSCP may not take into consideration that habitat, ecosystem, and species requirements may have to adapt to future changes in climate. Is the region and its policies ready to adapt as our climate changes and the pressures on existing habitats and species are amplified?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007; 6:30–8 PM

This lecture will be broadcast on ITV, channel 16 on the following dates and times:
Thursday, December 20; 4 PM
Thursday, December 27; 4 PM
Sunday, December 30; 3 PM
Thursday, January 3; 4 PM

The Future of Biodiversity in a Changing World
Walter Jetz, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
The world is facing a period of rapid environmental change. Dramatic warming is forecasted while direct human modifications to the landscape, especially in the tropics, are bound to continue. Which species are most at risk from these impending changes and why does it matter? Will the current global reserve network provide sufficient safe harbors in the future? Where are the future battlegrounds for conservation, and are we prepared for them? Finally, why are reliable forecasts about the future fate of species so difficult? Learn about scientists' answers to these questions and more.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008; 6:30–8 PM

This lecture will be broadcast on ITV, channel 16 on the following dates and times:
Thursday, March 6; 5 PM
Thursday, March 20; 5 PM
Sunday, March 9; 3 PM
Sunday, March 23; 3 PM

Climate Change and the World's Oceans
Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., Oregon State University
The oceans are changing as Earth warms: ocean water is warmer and more acidic, sea level is rising, and storms are becoming more intense. Life for millions of people who live on the coast is changing, and so is life beneath the surface. Dr. Lubchenco will summarize some of the better understood changes—corals bleaching and ecosystems being disrupted as some species move to new locations—and will also discuss some unexpected events, such as the emergence of a seasonal dead zone along the Pacific Northwest coast. Learn steps that can help address the underlying changes as well as those likely to be unsuccessful.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008; 6:30–8 PM

Emperor Penguins and Warming Trends in Antarctica
Jerry Kooyman, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
Emperor Penguins may be the marine vertebrate most dependent on sea ice. For at least nine months of the year they are reliant on stable sea ice anchored to the coastline for successful reproduction. In addition, they need, at the least, pack ice conditions suitable for a month-long fast while they molt. The natural history of these birds related to this dependence will be presented and illustrated with computer-generated images and photographs. How resilient are Emperor Penguins to climate changes and to the warming trends that are now occurring?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008; 6:30–8 PM

This lecture will be broadcast on ITV, channel 16 on the following dates and times:
Sunday, April 20; 5:30 PM
Sunday, May 18; 8:50 AM

Polar Bears, Seals, and Climate in Hudson Bay and the High Arctic
Ian Stirling, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Canadian Wildlife Service; and Adjunct Professor, University of Alberta, Edmonton
Long-term climate warming in western Hudson Bay is causing the sea ice to break up earlier, with negative effects on polar bears. From 1981 through 2007, the condition of polar bears declined significantly—a trend that is correlated with steadily warming spring air temperatures over the last 50 years. Learn about the significant relationship between the time of breakup and the condition of adult males and females (i.e., the earlier the breakup, the poorer the condition of the bears). Potential future problems for polar bears and seals will be discussed.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008; 6:30–8 PM

This lecture will be broadcast on ITV, channel 16 on the following dates and times:
Sunday, Jun 1; 11:00 AM
Sunday, Jun 15; 11:00 AM

Wildlife Responses to Climate Change (postponed due to wildfires)
Terry Root, Ph.D., Stanford University
Over the last 100 years, the average global surface temperature has increased approximately 0.8° C. Even with this amount of warming, which seems small compared to what might occur in the relatively near future, wild animals are already exhibiting discernible changes. Given what is known about physiological requirements of species, these changes are consistent with those expected with increasing ambient temperatures. Learn why the synergistic effect between rapid global warming and habitat modification is probably the most important problem facing species today.
Due to the fires, this lecture has been rescheduled to
Wednesday, May 14, 2008; 6:30–8:00 PM.

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