Woods Hole Research Center to Hold Lectures in Conjunction with International Day for Biodiversity on May 22

As the climate changes, species of all shapes and sizes, in all parts of the world, are being forced to adapt or face extinction. Further, human-induced changes – such as deforestation – not only destroy habitats, they also significantly increase the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere, resulting in higher levels of greenhouse gases and perpetuating the intensification of climate change. These ties, among others, help to illustrate why habitat protection and biodiversity conservation is so crucial.

To explore these topics, the Woods Hole Research Center will hold a program of short lectures on Tuesday, May 22, at 4 PM. Center scientists Scott Goetz, Nadine Laporte, and David McGrath will each discuss the impact of climate change and its effects on biodiversity on a particular region of the world: Dr. Goetz on boreal North America, Dr. Laporte on Africa, and Dr. McGrath on the Amazon. Dr. Eric Davidson, also a scientist at the Center, will moderate. In addition, posters profiling the Center’s work in sites around the world will be on display, with Center staff available to discuss the initiatives.

Seating and parking for the event are limited, and registration is required. To RSVP, contact Connie Johnson at 508 540 9900, x117, or via email at Light refreshments will be served following the program.

The event is being held in conjunction with International Day for Biodiversity, a program of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The CBD was established in 1992 as a result of efforts of the Rio Earth Summit.

The Woods Hole Research Center is dedicated to science, education and public policy for a habitable Earth, seeking to conserve and sustain forests, soils, water, and energy by demonstrating their value to human health and economic prosperity. The Center has initiatives in the Amazon, the Arctic, Africa, Russia, Asia, Boreal North America, the Mid-Atlantic, and New England including Cape Cod. Center programs focus on the global carbon cycle, forest function, landcover/land use, water cycles and chemicals in the environment, science in public affairs, and education, providing primary data and enabling better appraisals of the trends in forests alter their role in the global carbon budget.