Dr. Lynette Cardoch on Climate Change |
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OurBlook interview with ecologist Dr. Lynette Cardoch
LC: I agree. There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that has led to these scientific conclusions, making it very difficult to dispute that humans have had an impact on the global system. Why do you believe that such radically different opinions exist regarding an issue that should ideally be gauged by scientific data? LC: Unfortunately, the message of climate change has been linked with political agendas on both sides. It's important that we understand the science and implications of climate change, so we can convey a message that inspires action, not fear. In fact, the MWH Climate Change Schools Program works to do exactly that. We empower students by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to help reduce the effects of global climate change. Climate change also affords Americans an amazing opportunity to be on the global technological forefront of renewable energies, alternate transportation cities, and city planning. It's really about embracing the new economic challenge and putting American innovation to work. There has been record-breaking cold weather across the northern half of the earth so far in 2010. Do you see greater scientific skepticism toward the global warming concept, greater support building, or about the same? LC: I'm sure there are folks under two or three feet of snow begging for global warming. I wouldn't tie any cold and heat spells to impacts of global warming, though. Sure, climate change studies do predict increased temperature extremes, as we are seeing now. However, we also need to recognize there are other global climatic cycles, such as the ENSO (EL Nino Southern Oscillation), for example, that cause disruptions on a periodic basis. What are your views of the U.S. participating in a multilateral agreement with other countries? LC: The U.S. needs to remain a leader in the new emerging technology and economic development the carbon economy offers. Some experts argue that climate change will hit developing countries the hardest. Regardless of your current opinion), do you believe that First World nations have a responsibility to help those countries? LC: We provide relief around the world when a tragedy strikes ... think about tsunamis, earthquakes and floods. Not helping developing nations to protect themselves against and adapt to climate change will only place more pressure on resources. Economically speaking, I suspect it's cheaper to help developing countries to adapt and protect themselves rather than provide disaster response. Do you believe companies have a responsibility to protect the environment? Do you believe laws should be implemented to ensure this? LC: Absolutely. At MWH, our purpose is to build a better world. We focus on bettering the lives of those we touch and improve our communities around the world for future generations through our personal and professional contributions. It is our responsibility to protect the environment every day. Ultimately, as individuals, our moral compass leads us to protect what is important. (Lynette Cardoch, PhD is a supervising scientist and Director of the Climate Change Commitment with MWH, the global leader of the wet infrastructure sector and provider of environmental engineering, construction and strategic consulting services. In this role, she coordinates the firm’s global activities and projects related to carbon footprinting and carbon reduction, as well as educational outreach to teach students about the impacts of climate change and steps they can take to conserve water and energy. In the arena of sustainable development, Dr. Cardoch is the senior technical lead for impacts of climate change on local communities and water supply/water treatment infrastructure. This includes consulting with leaders from key utilities and water management agencies, such as Miami-Dade Water and Sewer and the South Florida Water Management District. She is also the firm’s lead ecologist for use of wetlands for wastewater treatment.) (She received her PhD. from Louisiana State University (oceanography and coastal sciences), her M.A. from the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami and her B.A. from Harvard-Radcliffe Colleges. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Barcelona, focusing on ecological economics.) (About MWH Climate Change Schools Program: It has taught more than 5,250 students in 10 countries about how their everyday actions have a global impact. The program aims to spark environmental thinking in young students and encourage more to consider a future career in science ... as the U.S. faces the prospect of a severe shortage of workers skilled in math and science. MWH has 7,000 employees on six continents ... http://www.mwhglobal.com .)
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Comments (7)
  written by canon digital ixus 750 battery, July 06, 2010
These climate changes that are pressume to occur put "fear" in the mind. Many people that believe in the Aztec calendar thinks that 2012 is the "end of the world." However, if we took notice to the science world and not so ignorant of what we do not know. This should gain our knowledge on how to handle certain situations (global warming) instead of being ignorant about the problem.
written by battery, June 21, 2010
What the country needs is a wide-spread, accurate message about Climate Change. Someone with just the facts needs to inform citizens to help out the country as well as the world, but in a way that will actually give help. Many of these so called "ways to help" seem ridiculously out of reach and simultaneously put money into the pockets of those behind the ideas. I feel as citizens we should all be creative and innovative but come up with ways so that everyone can contribute and help.
written by hehaicheng, June 21, 2010
The environment have became more and more worst,so I agree also with you Dr. Cordoch. we need do our best on the protect our future.
written by Servando Morquecho, May 05, 2010
I as well believe Dr.Cardoch sets a realistic representation over the whole grasping and understanding of climate change. Not many people I know and hear really comprehend the whole situation between what it is said scientifically and what the government has to say in regards to global warming. Now and days people believe whatever the media decides to throw out into the public without actually doing the research to fully understand what is happening and what could actually be done to help.
written by Joseph Hancock, April 22, 2010
I feel like Dr. Cardoch has a realistic grasp on the situation just as we all should. I also feel that both parties in the Political system are not correctly informing citizens and that the argument is re-wrapped in their favor. What the country needs is a wide-spread, accurate message about Climate Change. Someone with just the facts needs to inform citizens to help out the country as well as the world, but in a way that will actually give help. Many of these so called "ways to help" seem ridiculously out of reach and simultaneously put money into the pockets of those behind the ideas. I feel as citizens we should all be creative and innovative but come up with ways so that everyone can contribute and help. That should be the main focus along with bringing to light the true message and the facts about Climate Change.
written by China Clay, April 12, 2010
I agree also with you Dr. Cordoch. On the point that we do have to know the implications of science and "not fear." This is very relevant to what many Americans do. Most Americans "fear" of what is to come instead of focusing on what we could do or taking a step to prep ourselves for the future. For example, the over dramatizing of the year 2012. These climate changes that are pressume to occur put "fear" in the mind. Many people that believe in the Aztec calendar thinks that 2012 is the "end of the world." However, if we took notice to the science world and not so ignorant of what we do not know. This should gain our knowledge on how to handle certain situations (global warming) instead of being ignorant about the problem.
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In 2007, 489 members of the American Meteorological Society and the American Geophysical Union were surveyed for the Statistical Assessment Service at George Mason University. 84 percent said that they personally believed human-induced warming is occurring and it poses a very great danger, 74 percent believed that currently available scientific evidence substantiates its occurrence. Do you agree with the views of these scientists? Why or why not?
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