LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The natural disasters that recently plagued the U.S. have raised questions about the connections between extreme weather and climate change. Experts gathered at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Southern California to discuss the latest predictions and climate resilience.
“While we can work to limit the effects of climate change, we are already at a point where we will need to adapt to its impacts, including water shortages and drought, rising sea levels, and extreme weather. This principle is known as climate adaptation, and more people around the world are realizing that they have the power and tools to make a difference,” said Aquarium of the Pacific President Dr. Jerry Schubel.
Dr. William Patzert, a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, discussed his latest research on the application of NASA satellite data to improving our understanding of our planet's climate. Dr. Richard Somerville, a coordinating lead author for the most recent climate science assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, discussed current predictions and implications. “People and their governments need to collectively decide just how much man-made climate change is tolerable, or acceptable, and then humanity must act to meet that goal,” said Dr. Somerville, a climate scientist with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
“The Aquarium is committed to empowering the public to prepare for climate change impacts, from those happening now to those expected in the future,” Dr. Schubel said. “We will continue developing new exhibits and films like The Time is Now, The Future is Here to help people better understand their role in tackling this challenge.” The new film will be shown daily at the Aquarium starting Friday. Together with Weather on Steroids: The Art of Climate Change Science on exhibit at the Aquarium through February 26, 2018, the public can learn more about climate change.
The Aquarium will continue its outreach to local residents through its climate resilience outreach program, workshops, and Twitter feed @resilientLB. The Aquarium’s climate change report for the City of Long Beach and Citizen’s Guide are available on its website.