After a new president of the United States takes office in January, he will be challenged to develop effective policies to meet the nation’s energy needs while dealing with the threats posed by changes in global climate. Add the recent upheaval in the world’s economy and that challenge becomes even more daunting.

While the causes for climate change remain open to debate, scientific evidence shows that changes in global temperature do pose a serious threat. It will be vital for the United States to find policies that can cope effectively with this threat.

The Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois will bring three national experts together to discuss this challenge at the Sixth Annual Craig S. Bazzani Lecture in Public Affairs on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The discussion, which is free and open to the public, begins at 4 p.m. in the auditorium of the Beckman Institute, 400 N. Mathews, in Urbana, Ill.

Panelists include Paul R. Portney (left), dean of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona; Christine A. Ervin, president of Christine Ervin/Company in Portland, Ore.; and Chester S. Gardner, a University of Illinois scientist. John Foreman, president and publisher of The News-Gazette Co. in Champaign, will serve as moderator.

“Climate change and energy are extremely critical issues that are tied closely to the health of the global economy,” said IGPA Director Robert F. Rich. “This discussion will look into how we as a nation can develop policies that will enhance our understanding of our environment and lead us to a greener and cleaner future. I am extremely pleased that IGPA is able to present the knowledge of such distinguished experts as part of our Bazzani Lecture series.”

The Craig S. Bazzani Lecture in Public Affairs, held to honor the long-time University of Illinois vice president, brings to the university leading researchers and commentators to discuss the most important political and policy issues facing the state and the nation.

Paul Portney has been at the University of Arizona since formerly was president and chief executive officer of Resources for the Future, a nonpartisan research organization that specializes in environmental and energy issues. He also has served as chief economist for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. 

Before starting her own consulting company, Christine Ervin was the first president and chief executive officer of the Green Building Council. She also was appointed by President Clinton in 1993 to serve as U.S. assistant secretary of energy in charge of investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

Gardner (right) is a widely renowned engineer whose research has included important studies of atmospheric dynamics, chemistry, and global climate change. A former vice president for academic affairs at the U of I, he currently is a special assistant to President B. Joseph White.

Additional sponsorship for the Bazzani Lecture is provided by the chancellors and provosts at U of I campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. While this event is free of charge, registration is required.