Recent studies show steadily rising temperatures and acidity levels in the ocean, a grave consequence of several decades’ worth of massive carbon dioxide emissions. Not only is the survival of ecosystem-essential marine life in dire jeopardy, but the lost fishing and tourism revenue could cost our already economically unstable society billions of dollars each year. But what of the less-talked-about human element to environmental issues, like what happens to those people who are ill-equipped to adapt to changing climate, rising sea levels and out-of-control storms like Hurricane Katrina? These questions and others are debated during the latest installment of the Studio at 620’s Round Table on Social Justice, "Feel the Heat: Climate Change, Vulnerability and Environmental Justice.” Among the panel of community leaders are Monique Harden, an attorney and co-director of Advocates for Environmental Human Rights in New Orleans, and Dr. Barbara Poore of the U.S. Geological Survey; Eckerd College Associate Marine Science and Chemistry Professor David Hastings moderates. Thurs., Nov. 20, 6-7 p.m. reception, 7-9 p.m. discussion, 620 First Ave. S., downtown St. Petersburg, free admission, 727-895-6620; call to make reservations.
This article appears in Nov 12-18, 2008.