Climate Science and Public Policy

1. Climate Science and Public Policy (Part 1): New Challenges in a Web 2.0 World

In the first of two presentations (February 18), Rod Dobell and Justin Longo will discuss the flow of results from climate science into the formation of public policy in light of three new developments that alter the context for public policy. The first is the spread of new understandings of science; the second is the emergence of an active civil society and aggressive coalitions of environmental non-government organizations; and the third is the spread of social networking.

* Date: 18 February 2009, Time: 12:00 – 13:30
* Location: University of Victoria (Victoria, British Columbia) – Tom Shoyama Boardroom, 3rd Floor, Human and Social Development Building.

2. Climate Science and Public Policy (Part 2): Implications for Governance and the Public Service

In the second presentation, Dobell and Longo will consider the implications for processes of governance and the role of the public service resulting from three new developments that dramatically alter the context for public policy. The first is the spread of new understandings of science; the second is the emergence of an active civil society and aggressive coalitions of environmental non-government organizations; and the third is the spread of social networking. For many observers, the implications suggest transformative if not revolutionary change, not just in contemporary processes of governance but in long-standing traditions fundamental to the Westminster/Whitehall model of representative government and public service.

* Date: 20 February 2009, Time: 12:00 – 13:30
* Location: University of Victoria (Victoria, British Columbia) – Tom Shoyama Boardroom, 3rd Floor, Human and Social Development Building.

Sponsors: School of Public Administration, Centre for Global Studies and POLIS Project on Ecological Governance

A light lunch will be served. Seating is limited. Please register by February 17 by contacting Belle Young (phone: 250721.8056) to reserve a spot.