PUTNEY — An expert in the field of aquatic systems will come to the Landmark College campus to speak about the role of science in worldwide efforts to curb global climate change.
On Monday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., the Landmark College Academic Speaker Series will present Pete Murdoch on “Re-inventing Thoreau: Evolving Science to Support a Sustainable Future.”
Murdoch, who works as a research hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) agency in Troy, N.Y., has studied the environment for more than 30 years and is the author of more than 100 scientific reports and publications.
In his role at the USGS, Murdoch's work in the Adirondacks has influenced Midwest smokestack regulations, and his current research on permafrost degradation in the Arctic has the potential to influence climate policy.
Longtime friend Geoff Burgess, associate professor at the college, noted that Murdoch will bring a unique perspective as both a scientist and Washington policy adviser.
“While many people focus on political gridlock as an impediment to dealing with climate change, Pete advocates for new approaches by the science community so as to strengthen climate change policies,” Burgess said.
Murdoch's talk is the latest in the series of environmental events at Landmark College, designed to “promote the college's intellectual environment and facilitate discussion of important issues for the community.”
Expert speakers have included Bill McKibben and Seth Itzkan, as well as Andrew Stein, assistant professor of natural sciences at the college, and Endicott College Associate Professor Christopher Tripler of the School of Arts and Sciences.
To spark talk about climate change, Landmark College students have co-hosted Green Week and Power Shift Vermont 2014 with the Vermont Student Climate Coalition (VSCC).
“We are in the middle of an environmental crisis in our world,” said Abigail Littlefield, chair of Landmark College's natural sciences department, noting Murdoch's impending talk.
“In daily life, we may not realize our impact on the earth's future,” Littlefield said. “Each and every one of us needs to change - Murdoch has been doing just that.”