Group of Policymakers, Scientists, Thought Leaders Converge to Discuss Effects of Climate Change

The predicted effects of climate change over the coming decades include extreme weather events, drought, flooding, sea level rise, retreating glaciers, habitat shifts, and the increased spread of life-threatening diseases. These conditions have the potential to disrupt societies around the world and force nations to change the way they keep populations safe and secure.

From May 21-23, 2012, UMass Boston’s Collaborative Institute for Oceans, Climate and Security will host a high-level group of scientists, military, and civilian policymakers, and thought leaders from many disciplines to participate in a dialogue and outcomes-driven conference. 

The Global Conference on Oceans, Climate and Security (GC '12) will examine the conditions that are likely to be produced by climate change, how these conditions will affect coastal and ocean ecosystems and communities, and how that may consequently affect human and national security interests. GC '12 will focus on three specific themes examining the overall problem from different perspectives with a unified goal of understanding how to mitigate the effects we can control and adapt to those that we cannot.

Keynote speakers, including Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will provide their perspectives on global climate change and address the challenges it poses to the marine environment, human populations, and national and international security. Secretary Mabus will be presented with the Collaborative Institute’s Energy and Environmental Security Award.

"I've always believed that the issue of climate change needs to be personalized, presented to people in 'how does this affect my life?' terms," Lubchenco said after accepting the keynote invitation. "The conference’s mission of raising climate change awareness and connecting it to real, complex security problems emphasizes the importance of framing the issue in a relatable way. This conference will be a significant catalyst for talking about how climate change truly affects both the environment and human society and I am honored to be the keynote speaker for such a valuable endeavor."

"Through his visionary leadership, Secretary Mabus is enhancing the Navy’s military capabilities and setting an example of how we can address the growing security challenges we face as a nation and a global community. We are honored to have Secretary Mabus share his insights and successes with us as a keynote speaker," said GC ‘12 Conference Chair and Collaborative Institute Director Robbin Peach. ”The engagement of Under Secretary Lubchenco at GC ’12 further illustrates the commitment of the US government to serve the people and ecosystems vulnerable to the threat posed at the intersection of climate and coastal oceans. The world is changing around us and NOAA's commitment to help prepare for those changes is evidenced by the addition of Jane Lubchenco to the stellar lineup of talent at the conference."

For more details on the conference, visit www.umb.edu/ciocs/work/strategic_convenings_communication/gcocs/. Registration for GC ’12 is now open. Early Registration continues through March 15, 2012, at a cost of $325 per attendee.

For more information about the conference or the Collaborative Institute, please contact Robbin Peach at 617.287.5770.

About the Collaborative Institute for Oceans, Climate, and Security at UMass Boston
The Collaborative Institute, a public-private “think tank” founded at UMass Boston, aims to work with key influencers and decision makers to strengthen the understanding of the human and national security implications of changing oceans and climates, and to inform policy decisions through the application of sound scientific research and technology demonstrated through place-based pilot projects. It accomplishes these goals by designing and participating in strategic convenings and communications, by researching and developing technologies to inform place-based pilots, and by educating stakeholders on the complex interdependencies of oceans, climate, and human security. To learn more about the Collaborative Institute, visit www.umb.edu/ciocs.

About UMass Boston
With a growing reputation for innovative research addressing complex urban issues, the University of Massachusetts Boston, metropolitan Boston’s only public university, offers its diverse student population both an intimate learning environment and the rich experience of a great American city. UMass Boston’s eight colleges and graduate schools serve nearly 16,000 students while engaging local, national, and international constituents through academic programs, research centers, and public service activities. To learn more about UMass Boston, visit www.umb.edu.