Distinguished Lecture: Global Climate Change and Human Health

 University at Buffalo
 
RENEW Distinguished Lecture Series Presents

Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum, Ph.D., D.A.B.T., A.T.S.

Global Climate Change and Human Health: Global is Local
 
Dr. Linda Birnbaum, Director of the NIEHS and NTP, has spent more than 35 years researching, evaluating and educating the public on risks associated with hazardous environmental exposures. UB’s Institute on Research and Education in Energy, Environment and Water (RENEW) welcomes Dr. Birnbaum from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on September 15th, when she will discuss the impacts of global environmental health and what it means for local families and communities. She will discuss 21st century environmental health challenges associated with extreme weather events, community health resiliency, economic impacts of climate change on health, and co-benefits for health of mitigation/adaptation efforts.
 

September 15th, 2017

11:45am - 1:30pm

403 Hayes Hall, UB South Campus

Drinking Water Contamination: "Hero of Flint" Lead Crisis to Deliver Distinguished Lecture at UB

Abstract: The 2001-2004 Washington D.C. lead in drinking water crisis (and its aftermath to the present day) is a unique case study in the history of engineering and scientific misconduct. The multi-year exposure of an unsuspecting population to very high levels of the best-known neurotoxin, was perpetrated by multiple government agencies whose sole mission was to protect the public health. These same agencies later published falsified research reports, covering up evidence of harm and justifying ill-conceived interventions wasting hundreds of millions of dollars and which created even more harm. 

Aspiring to uphold the duty of scientists and engineers to hold paramount the public good and welfare, Marc Edwards worked alongside collaborators in the public, press and in Congress for over a decade. Their efforts exposed some of the wrong-doing by the agencies and their “hired gun” consultants, who brazenly twisted science to obfuscate the truth of what occurred. 

These experiences raise concerns about the veracity of “research” conducted and funded by government agencies, especially in crisis situations when public harm has occurred, as well as the need for checks and balances on agency power.

To register for this free event, click here

About the RENEW Distinguished Lectures: The RENEW Distinguished Lecture Series seeks to promote dialogue and interaction with UB’s faculty & staff, students and the local community with renowned leaders in science, technology and policy in academia, industry and government.

About UB RENEW Institute: RENEW promotes interdisciplinary research activities to position UB as a global leader in select areas of energy, environment and water (www.buffalo.edu/renew). Through collaborative education and research, more than 100 faculty members from seven schools are focusing on the following areas: Next-Generation Materials for Energy, Environment & Water; Sustainable Urban Environments; Freshwater Coastal Ecosystems, Stormwater and Blue Economy; Environmental Exposures, Genomes and Health; and Climate Change & Socio-Economic Impacts.