The Answer Is Blowing in the Wind: The Role of Universities in the Environmental Policy Debate

Part of the 2024 Hofstra Presidential Symposium

HCLAS - Natural Sciences and Mathematics presents
The Answer Is Blowing in the Wind: The Role of Universities in the Environmental Policy Debate

This panel will examine environmental policy at the national and local levels, with a special focus on the up-front and behind-the-scenes forces that are shaping the climate solutions debate — and/or working to quash it. A particular focus will be paid to the university's role in our national and local conversations around mitigating and resolving the climate crisis. Specifically, we will approach the national climate conversation through the lens of the clean-energy debate that has played out around offshore wind for three decades on Long Island. No doubt, this is a critical conversation to be had for our region, which is among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including coastline loss owing to sea-level rise and ocean inundation, as well as property damage because of stronger hurricanes fueled by warmer ocean temperatures. Here, we will ask a critical question: What role have universities played in past debate around offshore wind at the national and local levels, and what role can they/should they take in shaping future conversations?

Panelists:

Scott A. Brinton, Assistant Professor, Journalism, Media Studies & Public Relations
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Emma C. Farmer, Professor of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability
Richard Kessel, Former Chairman, Long Island Power Authority Chairman: Former President and CEO, New York Power Authority
George Povall, Executive Director, All Energy, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group

Moderator/Panelist: E. Christa Farmer, Professor of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability