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Speaker proposes slowing climate change through energy efficiency

November 12, 2009

In an effort to shed light on the growing concern and research for climate change, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station is holding a yearlong distinguished lecture series called Bioeconomy and Climate Change.

About 50 people gathered Thursday in the second floor of the Union to hear Edward Parson, a professor of law and natural resources and environment at the University of Michigan, speak about climate change and the research being conducted.

“It’s happening and people are causing it,” Parson said. “Climate change is a train wreck happening in slow motion.”

Tom Dietz, a professor of sociology social science and associate dean for environmental science and policy, said the purpose of the lecture series is to create more discussion about climate change among researchers, faculty, students and community members.

“One of the reasons for our lecture is to help Michigan think of climate change by bringing in experts and allowing everyone to hear those things,” Dietz said.

Parson said some of the main causes for climate change, in addition to the natural climate circulation, is burning fossil fuels, deforestation and transportation. Some of the noticeable changes include melting ice in the Arctic and the shortening of the ice season in the world’s arctic regions.

Dietz said the most change might be noticed during the next 20 years, which is why students should take notice of the energy they use.

“You can see its effect around the world and in Michigan,” Dietz said.

Becoming more energy efficient is one of the ways everyone can work together to slow down climate change, Parson said.

“We can increase energy efficiency, invest in technology, research and development to create non-fossil fuel, renewable, nuclear power and technologies that allow us to keep using fossil fuels for while without emitting CO2 in atmosphere,” Parson said.

Although interdisciplinary studies in social science senior Katie Nash, who attended Thursday’s lecture, said she is uncertain about whether climate change is a natural occurrence or a result of human actions, she wouldn’t be surprised if humans are the main cause.

“People in general are disrespectful (to the environment),” Nash said. “We are living in our own waste sometimes.”

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