Dr. David Wolfe
“Climate Change Vulnerabilities in the Finger Lakes: What We Can Do About It”
Monday, March 1, 2021
12:30 p.m.
Dr. David Wolfe, professor in Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science, will join us for the first “Sustainability Perspectives” talk of the spring 2021 semester.
Synopsis
We hear a lot about “global average” temperatures, but the focus here will be local changes in the timing, frequency, intensity, and variability of crossing temperature and hydrological thresholds with negative (or positive) impacts on Finger Lakes terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Increased frequency of cold damage (e.g., to fruit crops due to earlier spring bloom) as well as heat stress, and increased frequency of both flooding and drought in the region are already occurring. Changing seasonal weather patterns will forever alter the fabric of our natural areas, and create new challenges for control of invasive species, weeds, and insect pests. Individual and collective action to adapt to these challenges, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration in our natural areas and farms will be discussed.
About the “Sustainability Perspectives” Series
All talks in this series take place on Mondays at 12:30 p.m., and will be offered virtually via Zoom. A link and further details can be found at this link.
For more details on the Wells College Center for Sustainability and the Environment, please visit wells.edu/sustainability.
