FEBRUARY 11, 2009 (MIAMI) - The second Spring Semester Honors College Colloquium will feature FIU Environmental Science and Chemistry Professor Jack Parker. He will be speaking on "Sustainable Energy for a Warming Planet." The lecture will take place on February 24, at 3:30 pm in DM 100 on the University Park Campus.

Parker will present recent scientific studies that have convinced the vast majority of climate-change scientists that global warming is a major threat to the earth and is primarily caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. The talk will include current and projected impacts of a warming planet on humans and the environment. Most importantly, the presentation will focus on an evaluation of the various ways to reduce global warming including solar and wind energy, energy efficiency, biofuels, “new” nukes, hydrogen and “clean coal”.

John Parker is a Founding and Emeritus Professor at FIU. He Received a B.S. in Chemistry from Emory University and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University California at Berkeley. His research interests focus on ecological landscaping, passive solar cooling, energy and resource conservation, energy policy and environmental education. Dr. Parker received American Forests’ Research Medal for his pioneering studies of energy conservation landscaping, the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Board of Regents for his work in the community and the FIU Service Medallion for 35 years of outstanding university service.

For immediate release

CONTACT:    Juan Carlos Espinosa, The Honors College
(305-348-4100), espinosj@fiu.edu