Homecoming: CWOQs Series 4: Class 4A Numbers or Chicken Bones: Responses to an Uncertain Environmental Future

Lectures are given by some of McGill’s most eminent and engaging academics, and topics range from jazz appreciation to the latest developments in sustainable energy.

You may register for one class within each series. There is no charge for tickets. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

An effective response to climate change will take generations of effort. But our politicians worry about the next election cycle, and climate prediction models have uncertainties that paralyze political action. To make matters worse, scientists and politicians don't speak the same language. As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, the McGill School of Environment hosts a debate on whether environmental models have sufficient predictive power to move politicians and the public to act.

Panellists: Nigel Roulet, Chris Mooney, Peter Calamai and Bruno Tremblay Moderator: Martin Grant, Dean of McGill’s Faculty of Science

Martin Grant was named Dean of Science in 2005. Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of the Centre for the Physics of Materials, the Faculty’s Associate Dean of Research, and Chair of the Department of Physics.

Nigel Roulet is a James McGill Professor of Geography and the former Director of the McGill School of Environment, an innovative program that brings together 100 researchers from four faculties to find solutions to environmental challenges.

Chris Mooney is senior correspondent for "The American Prospect" magazine and author of two books, the "New York Times" bestseller "The Republican War on Science" and "Storm World: Hurricanes, Politics, and the Battle Over Global Warming".

Peter Calamai is the national science reporter for the "Toronto Star". With notable articles on everything from NASA to North Pole research, he is a three-time winner of Canada's highest honour for print journalism, the National Newspaper Award.

Bruno Tremblay is a Professor in McGill’s Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.

Please note online registration is available until September 16, 2008. After this date, only phone, fax and mailed-in registrations will be processed.

Cost: Free