Talk Archives

Hurricane Katrina provided a startling reminder that environmental health threats such as pollution and climate change disproportionately affect historically disadvantaged communities in our society. Dr. Bullard will present an insightful account of events, individuals, and organizations that have shaped the environmental justice movement over the past two decades.

The Gulf of Mexico has seen some of the most destructive hurricanes on record. What can residents in the Gulf region expect future storms to be like? Dr. Emanuel shares his groundbreaking research on how climate change can affect hurricane activity and discuss its implications for the Gulf region.

In 1971, U.S. President Richard Nixon declared war on cancer by signing the National Cancer Act. How has our understanding, awareness, and treatment of cancer progressed over the years? Dr. Clanton provides perspectives and insights on this war that most people never hear about despite seeing cancer’s causes, effects, and prevalence across all segments of society.

Without water, life cannot exist. Yet, our most precious resource faces major threats which are pushing it to the brink of depletion in many regions. Dr. Jay Famiglietti explores how climate change and population growth affect the way water is replenished.

‘Black Swans’ are infrequent and unpredictable events that can drive change in both human and natural systems. What qualities make societies resilient and sustainable in the face of environmental Black Swans? How can we prepare for, absorb, and recover from the unpredictable disruptions from climate-related ecological change?

Do you ever wonder about the possibility of life on other planets? Evidence of a shallow lake of liquid water on Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, suggests the potential for life may exist within our solar system. Dr. Schmidt takes us on a journey that examines some essential environmental conditions necessary to support life, and how these conditions may arise on other planets.

Energy is important to every aspect of our lives. What are the energy challenges faced in Texas and across the globe? Dr. Michael Webber shares how energy consumption has changed worlwide over the years and what challenges we will face in the future.

What do you see when you look at the night sky? If you are Dr. Howell and his team, you discover a supernova within hours of its explosion (a rare feat) and use it to help measure the history of the expansion of the universe and the dark energy causing it to accelerate. Explore supernovas, dark energy, and zombie stars with Dr. Howell, and hear how learning more about these phenomena helps us understand our universe.

How did humans come to have the best eyesight of any living mammal? Dr. Kirk explains how his research related to the evolution of primate sensory systems helps us understand human visual adaptations in the larger context of primate evolution.

Imagine yourself as a scientist visiting a research site on the moon for the first time, using new ways to understand the unexplored territory around you. Dr. Helper shares the training of astronauts to do geological field work, and of work with NASA roboticists at a large Canadian impact crater to test the use of robots as an aid to human planetary exploration.