George Mason University's Center for the Arts

Global Warming: Science, Adaptation and Mitigation

Jagadish Shukla
Distinguished University Professor, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences

The planet is getting warmer, the sea level is rising, and the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Yet, there continues to be skepticism, and in some sections of society outright hostility, towards the concept of global warming and its human origins. Dr. Shukla will show comprehensive evidence that global warming is real, and it is a clear and present danger. He will explain the facts behind the observed and projected trends for these unprecedented changes that implicate human activity—and for which no natural causes can possibly be responsible. Shukla will describe the projected climate changes in the twenty-first century for the world, the mid-Atlantic region, and for Virginia. He will conclude with suggestions for adaptation and mitigation strategies, and possible roles of individuals, institutions and governments in responding to the consequences of projected climate change.