Jon Waterman, author, photographer and Arctic adventurer, will lead a noontime discussion on the impact of climate change and Arctic warming on Thursday at the College of Education. The event is sponsored by the University's Academy for the Environment.

Waterman's most recent book, "Where Mountains Are Nameless - Passion and Politics in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," tells of his time and study with the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and showcases stunning still photographs that give witness to the impact of climate change and oil development in polar regions.

The brown-bag event is open to all students, faculty and staff, noon-1 p.m. in the Raggio Research Center, on the fourth floor of the William D. Raggio College of Education Building.  Light beverages, coffee and snacks will be provided.

The National Geographic Society sent Waterman and legendary field biologist George Schaller to Alaska in 2006 to investigate the Arctic warming trend.  Waterman's first-ever film is to premier on national television this month with testimony to the discoveries made during the study with Alaskan scientists.

Joining Waterman in an hour-long roundtable discussion will be John Sagebiel, manager of environmental affairs at the University, who will provide a local dimension on global warming, and Joe McConnell, research professor from the Desert Research Institute, who will bring a scientific perspective to the talk.

"This is an opportunity to bring faculty together to talk about our work and our passion," said Jen Huntleysmith, associate director for academics and outreach for the Academy for Environment.

Huntleysmith said the Academy for the Environment will have two to three public forums each semester in order to help reach the goals of the newly established interdisciplinary educational development program.

"This forum should bring stimulating discussion from multiple perspectives and give the faculty a chance to interact," she said.

Waterman will have a book signing and give a public lecture and slideshow at the Nevada Museum of Art (NMA) on Thursday at 7 p.m. with a reception at 6 p.m. in the Pym Auditorium.  Tickets for this event are $5 ($4 for Nevada Museum of Art members) and can be purchased at Nevadaart.org/tickets or at the NMA's admission desk.

This event is presented in partnership with Patagonia and The Academy for the Environment.