Apr 1 2008
Dr. Alan Hamlet, a research assistant professor at the University of Washington's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is urging that steps be taken to mitigate future emissions that contribute to climate change while adapting to current circumstances. Dr. Hamlet's comments appear in the latest edition of Conversations - an online discussion focused on the transforming impact of science. Conversations is a project of the U.S. Civilian Research + Development Foundation (CRDF). (http://www.crdf.org/conversations)
Dr. Alan Hamlet, University of Washington
In his remarks, Dr. Hamlet – whose research has focused on the impacts of climate variability and change on rivers and water resources systems in the western U.S. – discusses the dual approach which must be used to confront climate change.
“Mitigation is crucial on the long timescale,” says Dr. Hamlet. “On the short timescale, adaptation is crucial.”
Dr. Hamlet also recognizes that stopping the effects of global warming will be a gradual process.
“We’re not going to be able to stop the warming that’s coming over the next 50 years,” says Dr. Hamlet. “We need to be working equally hard on adapting to the changes that are unavoidable.”
Conversations is an online exploration of the top issues of our time through the lens of science. Conversations features diverse, interdisciplinary panels including authors, policymakers, experts, journalists and those who work on the front lines of major challenges. The latest edition focuses on global warming and features, along with Dr. Hamlet, Maria Blair of the Rockefeller Foundation and Kevin Knobloch of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Hamlet’s commentary can be read or downloaded as a podcast at http://www.crdf.org/conversations.