“Biodiversity and Climate Change”

Impact
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
12:00 – 12:50 pm EDT
RECORDING AVAILABLE

Francisco Dallmeier
Director, Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
National Zoological Park

How is climate change affecting biodiversity on Earth? In his interactive talk, Dallmeier will highlight some of the animal species around the world that have been impacted by shifting climates. Pointing toward the future, he will also discuss new initiatives for studying biodiversity and climate change.

Posted in: Presentations on September 24th by Conference Coordinators

3 Comments

Comment by Cynthia Marx — September 29, 2009 @ 8:56 pm

A group of my students here in Gambell, AK listened to part of your program today. These kids hunt whales, walrus and seals. They have first hand knowledge of the effects of climate change. Perhaps you could ask them a question? Thanks.

[Reply]
Comment by Stacey Syne — September 30, 2009 @ 1:25 pm

This was an EXCELLENT lecture!!
I really am very disappointed that in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Trinidad there isn’t a lot of emphasis on the environment and conservation.
When I was in undergrad Dr. Howard Nelson introduced us to concepts in a conservation park system which, if implemented would have facilitated an improved genetic diversity of wildlife species.
After watching this lecture, I realized that his conservation park system would have had a 2 fold advantage of genetic diversification AND facilitating corridors.
Although Trinidad is not a very big country, I believe that the park system which he wanted to implement would have benefited us tremendously.
Unfortunately, the government here seems not to be interested in sustainable development and the future of our wildlife especially in the long term. One example is their proposed plans for an aluminium smelter which would not only require serious deforestation of valuable rain forest, the loss of many species and cut off a migration link between of animals between South America (Venezuela) and the Caribbean (Cedros, Trinidad); but increase CO2 emissions by crazy amounts.
As a result, we and other SIDS with governments who only think about the short term riches and profits will suffer in the long run.
One of the adaptations in your lecture was fundamental changes at the legal and political level. That’s going to be VERY difficult in developing countries, considering that in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Howard Nelson’s plans for conservation were snubbed by the Government (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Nelson).
This way of thinking MUST change – but I have no idea how.

Thanks for sharing valuable information.
Stacey Syne.

P.S. Cynthia, I would also be interested in what your kids have to say about whales and other animals. If you visit this board again can you post their observations?
Thanks a bunch!

[Reply]
Comment by Leslie Stoltz — September 30, 2009 @ 5:14 pm

Excellent and motivating talk by Francisco Dallmeier. Exposure to these kinds of ideas will encourage individuals to reconsider lifestyles and potentially careers.

Migration corridors are happening (Y to Y) and are feasable. Continuing Education and outreach such as this is the key .
Thank you,
Leslie

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