Lecture Series Highlighting Climate Change Research Reopens to Public

For the first time since 2020, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego is opening its renowned Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series to the public. 

For over two decades, the Perspectives series has been engaging the public on research conducted worldwide by scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The 2024 series will be hosted live at Birch Aquarium with a dynamic new conversational format.

Lecture Schedule: 

Monday, February 12, 7-8 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Hold Fast: Envisioning Climate Change through the Art and Science of our Local Giant Kelp Forests

Southern California’s giant kelp forests are ecosystems that are potentially vulnerable to the region’s warming waters, but unlike terrestrial forests, changes in these underwater ecosystems are largely invisible to most of us. Join biologist Mohammad Sedarat and artist Oriana Poindexter in an exploration of their collaboration on the aquarium’s new art exhibition, Hold Fast, an immersive journey through our local giant kelp forests. Learn how their unique perspectives are combined to provide visitors with insight into climate change through the lens of art.

Monday, March 11, 7-8 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.

California Against the Sea: Reflections on Communicating Sea Level Rise

Join Los Angeles Times environment reporter and author of the new book California Against the Sea Rosanna Xia and Scripps Institution of Oceanography coastal resilience specialist Laura Engeman for a discussion on communicating the science and impacts of sea-level rise and California’s changing relationship with the ocean. Engeman will also discuss how Scripps Oceanography is advancing science and technology to understand sea-level rise across California and beyond. Xia will also do a reading from the book and be on hand afterward to sign copies and meet audience members.

Monday, April 8, 7-8 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Understanding Atmospheric Rivers: Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes

Over the last two winter seasons atmospheric rivers have impacted California and the west with extreme precipitation and the cascading consequences of these events. The meteorology that causes atmospheric rivers is complex, but scientists at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) are working to help better predict them and understand what they mean for rainfall and snowfall across the state. Join CW3E Deputy Director Julie Kalansky to learn how researchers are integrating this information to support more resilient water management, especially as climate change is projected to affect the frequency and intensity of these amazing weather phenomena.

An additional lecture will take place May 13 with another series running in the fall. 

Lectures are free for members and $12 for the general public. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members. Registration is open for the February and March lectures and will soon be added for the others.