Biography:

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John Walsh, President’s Professor of Global Change, International Arctic Research Center; Dartmouth College, ‘70 B.A.; Massachusetts Institute of Tech­nology, ‘74 Ph.D. Walsh, a member of the Geophysical Institute’s Atmospheric Sciences Group, has studied recent climatic change in the polar regions, particu­larly as they are affected by interactions between sea ice and the atmosphere. He has synthesized several decades of sea ice data to evaluate trends of ice coverage. More recently, he has become involved in the synthesis of climate model output to obtain projections of climate change in the Alaska Region. Among Walsh’s other scientific interests are the hydrologic cycle in polar regions, large-scale snow variability, and the arctic performance of global climate models.

Lecture Presentations:

Climate Change
Presented Apr. 10, 2007
Lecture Summary
(click here)

John Walsh, President’s Professor of Climate Change at the International Arctic Research Center, lectures on climate change in Alaska and how it connects to global climate change overall. Professor Walsh gives a brief overview of climate and why changes in climate are important in understanding current global issues.  Dr. Walsh also touches on receding sea ice and what types of problems it could create for marine mammals like polar bears and seals, as well as how the loss of sea ice could potentially affect humans, specifically those in arctic regions.  Contributing factors to sea ice melt and climate change over the past fifty years, such as the greenhouse effect, are also discussed. The lecture is followed by questions from students and teachers in the Bering Strait School District.

Climate Change in Alaska: Whare are the signs and what should we do?
Presented May 6, 2008
Lecture Summary (click here)
John Walsh, President’s Professor of Climate Change at the International Arctic Research Center, lectures on the topic of climate change and the attention it has received in recent years. Alaska is often mentioned as a prime example of an area experiencing climate change. This presentation raises some central questions such as: What are the clearest signs of climate change in Alaska? What are the most serious consequences of climate change in Alaska? Is there anything we can do to reduce the unfavorable impacts of climate change? Are there opportunities provided by climate change? Climate change in the western part of Alaska is emphasized, with comparisons made to other parts of Alaska and the world. The lecture is followed by questions from students and teachers in the Bering Strait School District.

Science Review:

Walsh reviewed the following ACMP classroom lessons for scientific accuracy:

  • Extreme Weather

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Walrus photo courtesy NOAA. Polar bear photo courtesy USFWS.