Algae Biotechnology Seminar: Reversing Climate Change

Featuring Dr. Mark Huntley, University of Hawaii and Cornell University

The reversal of climate change is a simple matter of doing two things. First, reducing fossil fuel usage to zero, and the second, removing CO2 that has accumulated in the biosphere since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1750. We estimated that the first task can be accomplished within a generation – by 2040, and the second in approximately 200 years. We looked systematically at five sources of CO2 emissions: Electricity, Transport Fuels, Heat, Agriculture & Forestry, and Waste & Process Gases, asking how much can be replaced by renewable, non-CO2 or non-greenhouse gas (CH4 and N2O) emitting sources. This seminar will report on our modeling methods, results, and conclusions.

Dr. Huntley has a wide range of experience in global research and development projects. He has led several Antarctic oceanographic expeditions, private sector startups, and a joint venture with Royal Dutch Shell to develop algae-based biofuels. He has authored or coauthored over 80 peer-reviewed publications, and has made a wide variety of public presentations to academic, governmental, and general audiences. An effective fundraiser, he has approximately $100 million in scientific research grants and $150 million in corporate R&D funding to his credit. He is regularly invited to speak at international science, engineering, and industry meetings.

A reception will follow with light food and beverages.