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Barry Univ. to host Global Warming conference on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at main campus

MIAMI SHORES, Florida — Barry University will host a one-day conference titled, “Global Warming, What Can Be Done?” on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at its main campus in Miami Shores. The conference will explore several topics on the issue of global warming including “Natural Disaster: Inevitable or Preventable?” and “Diminishing Green Space in Miami/Florida and climate change,” along with many others.

The global warming conference will feature presentations and workshops by Barry faculty, guest speakers, and environmental organizations. Participants will be exposed to a series of interdisciplinary activities, lectures and workshops geared toward helping them understand the critical role global warming will play in the on-going evolution of the planet.

The conference will feature guest speakers Bill McKibben, author of the acclaimed book The End of Nature, and Nadine Patrice, founder executive director of Operation Green Leaves.

McKibben will give the keynote address during the evening session from 7- 9 p.m. He will be talking about climate change and our involvement with the natural world. McKibben, whose End of Nature is this year’s Barry common reader for all first-year students is an award-winning author, educator, and environmental activist. The End of Nature was the first major book to call attention to the phenomenon of global warming, and focuses on the latest scientific evidence about the greenhouse effect, the depletion of the ozone layer and a harrowing array of other ecological ills.

He has published books dealing with global warming, alternative energy and the risks associated with human genetic engineering. In the summer of 2006, he led the organization of the largest demonstrations against global warming in American history.

Patrice, founder and executive director of Operation Green Leaves, a non-profit environmental organization based in Miami, will deliver the keynote speech during the day’s lunch session from 12-1:30 p.m. in Andreas Hall, Room 111. Patrice and her organization are dedicated to the environmental education of the global Haitian community and the reforestation of the island nation of Haiti. Patrice will speak about Haiti’s environmental tragedy and efforts to save the island from further ecological and environmental devastation.

Throughout the morning and afternoon, Barry University professors will also be addressing various global warming and environmental issues that affect the world today. The one-day conference, which is free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by Barry University and the Center for Earth Jurisprudence.

For more information or to RSVP for the conference, call (305) 899-4862 or e-mail artsandsciences@mail.barry.edu.