Drowning and Drought: Extreme Weather Impacts on our Economy and Society

2011 has been a record year for weather disasters. From historic drought in Texas to record-breaking flooding in North Dakota, to an unprecedented number (> 5600) of record high temperatures across the United States, much of the country has seen severe damage from extreme weather. The year is not yet over, and economic losses already exceed $45 billion.

This lunch briefing with leading experts examines extreme weather hazards, with a case study on the Texas drought, their relationship to changes in our climate, and how the country can better prepare for such events.

Sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Geophysical Union (AGU), and Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES).

Speakers

Michael Oppenheimer
Albert G. Milbank Professor of Geosciences and International Affairs, Princeton University; Coordinating Lead Author, IPCC Report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation
John Nielsen-Gammon
Texas State Climatologist and Regents Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Texas A&M University
Frank Nutter
President of the Reinsurance Association of America
Jay Gulledge
Senior Advisor, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions