Dartmouth Events

Spring Physics Lecture - Dr. Adam Frank

Astrophysicist and visiting ICE Fellow Adam Frank presents "Our Fate in the Stars: How a Universe Rich in Alien Worlds Can Help Us Save Our Own."

Thursday, April 27, 2017
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Wilder Hall, Room 104
Intended Audience(s): Public
Categories: Lectures & Seminars

In the face of climate change humanity is searching for ways to make our global civilization sustainable. But how do we know such a thing is even possible? How do we know that high-tech, energy-intensive planetary scale civilizations are even something the Universe does? Perhaps no high-tech civilization on anywhere in the Universe lasts more than a few centuries? 

In this talk Frank ask the question of sustainability from the Astrobiological Perspective, beginning with a discussion of what we have learned about planets, climate and life from explorations of the Earth, other solar system worlds and exoplanets in the galaxy. From there he explores issues such as: why it is unlikely that we are the first civilization in cosmic history and why climate change will likely occur on any planet that evolves a technological civilization. 

Finally he discusses how this Astrobiological Perspective can change the way we approach climate change and sustainability lifting discussion above the usual political polarities.

For more information, contact:
Amy Flockton

Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.