Speaker to address climate change, extreme weather March 6

The University of Washington’s Mike Warner will discuss climate change and extreme weather as a part of the Western Washington University Huxley College of the Environment Speaker Series at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 in Communication Facility 125 on Western’s campus.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

In his talk, titled “Projected Changes in North American Atmospheric Rivers Due to Climate Change,” Warner will describe his research on the connection between anthropogenic global warming and extreme weather. Atmospheric rivers (ARs) — long, narrow bands of highly-concentrated water vapor that occur with winter storms — are often associated with extreme precipitation and flooding, particularly along the mountainous West Coast of North America. Several studies have suggested that climate change could lead to shifts in the location and intensity of the jet stream, which in turn could impact the location and frequency of ARs. Warner will share his research on these projected shifts and the anticipated impact on associated weather events along the West Coast.

Warner received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington and is currently a doctorate candidate in the same program. His interests and research lie in Pacific Northwest weather and climate change, with an emphasis on how climate change will affect extreme precipitation.

The presentation will include a question and answer period. Anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend and participate. The Speaker Series, sponsored by Western’s Huxley College of the Environment, is intended to bring together environmentally-minded members of the Western and Bellingham communities. Speakers address topics of contemporary environmental concern in the region and the world.

Huxley College of the Environment is one of the oldest environmental colleges in the nation and a recognized leader in producing the next generation of environmental professionals and stewards. Huxley’s distinctive, interdisciplinary curriculum reflects a broad view of the physical, biological, social and cultural world, and has earned international recognition for quality.

For more information, please contact Jen VanderWeyden at Western’s Huxley College of the Environment at 360-650-2554.