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November 24, 1997
NC State Experts Know Science and Politics of Greenhouse Gases
On Dec. 1, more than 100 countries will send delegations to the United Nations Kyoto Conference of the Parties to discuss limiting greenhouse gas emissions. North Carolina State University experts have researched this important environmental issue, taken part in worldwide conferences debating the actions needed to help ensure the world's environmental health, and have studied the policies motivating the politics. Call on them if you'd like to localize your coverage of the Kyoto Conference.
Dr. Marvin Soroos, professor and department head, Political Science and Public Administration, 919/515-3755, [email protected] Soroos is an expert in international environmental policies and problems, including global warming, acid rain and ozone depletion. His new book, The Endangered Atmosphere, bridges science and policy issues. In it he discusses the "environmental security" issues involved in negotiating the upcoming treaty that would limit greenhouse gas emissions. He also chronicles the international gains on individual issues, such as nuclear testing, ozone depletion and acid rain. Ozone, he says, was easier to tackle because companies that produced CFCs could produce alternatives for greater profits. Fossil fuel alternatives present greater a economic challenge and face strong lobby opposition. His other books include Beyond Sovereignty: The Challenge of Global Policy.
Dr. Thomas Malone, Sigma Xi Chief Scientist, University Distinguished Scholar, Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, 919/515-5117, 919/547-5237, [email protected] Malone is an internationally known and respected expert on global climate change, sustainable development, research and development networks. He was a delegate to the Rio Conference on World Environment. Of the Kyoto Conference, he says: "Expectations for Kyoto are, in general, too unrealistically high. It is one small, but important, step in a long and arduous journey on which the world is embarked toward a sustainable, equitable and stable society." He believes there is ample scientific knowledge to guide the world toward a balance of fulfilling human needs and maintaining a biologically productive environment, but adds: "We have much to learn about making decisions on public policy in the face of uncertainty."
Dr. Robert Bruck, coordinator of university environmental programs, 919/515-2086, [email protected] Bruck is known worldwide for his research findings on air pollution, acid rain and environmental policy, and for his environmental advocacy. Of the Kyoto conference, he says: "Definitive proof that global warming will or will not will not be bad will not be available for another 30 years. Since the retention time of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses can exceed 100 years, by the time we find conclusive evidence, it may be too late. The United States -- the largest air polluter in the world -- has the responsibility to show leadership and a proactive policy toward greenhouse gasses. My international travels and studies indicate that if we don't lead, no one will."
Dr. Ellis Cowling, University Distinguished Professor at large, 919/515-7564, [email protected] Cowling is an expert on global climate change, man-induced changes in the chemical climate and their effects on terrestrial and aquatic systems. Of the Kyoto Conference, he says: "America needs to demonstrate its leadership to the free world. The question here is whether we have the political will to make the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We Americans are used to low energy costs. We will need more efficient energy alternatives. It will take some sacrifices."
Dr. Vinod K. Saxena, professor of marine earth and atmospheric sciences, 919/515-7290, [email protected] Saxena, respected for his long-term research in Antarctica, believes the earth has natural mechanisms to help counteract the greenhouse warming effect. He has documented the existence of one such mechanism, an atmospheric phenomenon called "nucleation burst" during an earlier field study. He found that nucleation bursts increased cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) to at least four times the normal level -- an amount that models predict to be enough to counter the effects of a doubling of the carbon dioxide level in the air. Raised carbon dioxide levels have been linked to the greenhouse warming effect. The discovery may have far-reaching implications. It could cause scientists and policymakers to rethink the need for limiting the emissions of greenhouse gases and the use of fossil fuels blamed for the greenhouse warming effect.
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