Disasters, death, and destruction: Accounting for recent calamities

Has loss of life and damages associated with extreme weather events actually increased in recent years? Find out on March 15 at a lecture hosted by The National Academies Ocean Studies Board featuring Dr. Roger Pilke Jr., Director of the Center for Science Technology Policy Research.

Dr. Pilke will talk about how recent catastrophes, such as Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami, have led to a perception that the economic impact and severity of weather-related disasters is increasing and that this increase could be related to climate change. Dr. Pilke will discuss observed trends, our state of knowledge in this area, and the implications for policy and research related to natural hazards and global climate change.

The event, the Seventh Annual Roger Revelle Lecture, will be held from 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. in the Baird Auditorium at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History building at 10th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public. To register, visit www.dels.nas.edu/osb/about_revelle.

Contact: Shirel Smith, The National Academies, 202-334-1866, or email Revellelecture@nas.edu

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2009
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