The aim of the Gilbert F. White lecture series, developed with his blessing, is to focus on connections between the geographical sciences and society. It will both honor Dr. White and also use his example as an inspiration for geographers to share their work on the connections between science and society.

2011 Lecture

Dr. Diana Liverman, The University of Arizona

"Geography and Global Environmental Change: Climate Risks and the Challenge of Development" (PDF)

Geographers, including Gilbert White, those he trained, and now several more generations of researchers, have made significant contributions to our understanding of climate risk, vulnerability and adaptation and to the thinking of international agencies and organizations about how to respond to natural disasters, poverty and threats to water and food security.  The lecture will discuss how we might integrate climate adaptation and mitigation into development and the challenges that the mainstreaming of climate into development institutions and practice poses to the research community. How can we identify who is vulnerable, the costs of adaptation, and who should receive adaptation funds? How can we evaluate the success of development investments in reducing climate risk? What mechanisms can be used to reduce emissions in the developing world and how can they be improved? Is it possible to develop projects that provide triple benefits of mitigation, adaptation and poverty alleviation?  What is the role of non-nation state actors such as NGOs, the private sector, development banks and local governments? The lecture will seek to address these questions using examples from geographic research projects, including several that analyze vulnerability, adaptation and carbon offsetting in Latin America.

February 10, 2011 | 6:00 PM | Room 100 | Keck Center | 500 5th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

DOWNLOAD AUDIO RECORDING OF THE LECTURE (MP3)

Previous Lectures:

2009 Lecture

Dr. Rita Colwell, University of Maryland
"Climate, Oceans, and Human Health: The Saga of a Cholera-Chaser"

2008 Lecture

Dr. Gerry Galloway, University of Maryland
"Managing American Water Resources: Recognizing the Realities of Geography"

2007 Inaugural Lecture

Dr. Robert Kates, Independent Scholar
"Gilbert F. White, 1911-2006, Great Aspirations: Local Studies, National Comparisons, Global Challenges"

Directions to Keck Center.