Stephen Lewis to Speak at U of G Climate Change Conference
June 01, 2011 - News Release
Stephen Lewis, one of the world’s most influential speakers on human rights, social justice and international development, is among experts who will speak during the Climate Change and Implications for Plant Science Symposium at the University of Guelph June 7 and 8.
To be held in Rozanski Hall, the event will bring together international researchers to explore climate change science and the impact of climate change on agriculture.
Best-known for his efforts to highlight the AIDS crisis in Africa, Lewis will discuss connections between health and food systems under global climate change.
His public talk is June 7 at 9 a.m. in Rozanski Hall. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door.
More than 100 researchers are expected to attend the two-day symposium hosted by the Ontario Agricultural College, the Department of Plant Agriculture and the School of Environmental Sciences.
“We have made an effort to bring together the most qualified people internationally,” said plant agriculture professor Clarence Swanton, co-organizer of the event. “Participants will have the opportunity to learn from world experts about the most current information.”
Symposium topics will address climate change effects on crop yields and how agriculture can prepare for the next 50 to 100 years, including:
• future climate
• climate change impacts
• climate change strategies for agriculture
• agricultural productivity
• invasive alien pests
• farmland biodiversity
• sustainable crop protection
• improving crop productivity for food security.
“We hope this conference will lead to networking and collaboration among scientists as well as provide an opportunity for future research and an opportunity to explore policy implications,” said Swanton.
For more information and to register for the symposium, visit
www.Cropprotection.open.uoguelph.ca/.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982, dhealey@uoguelph.ca.
