WHRO Partners with Science Pubs for Three More Events
May 09, 2019
By Amy Matzke-Fawcett
What does sea level rise mean for tourism?
Lindsay Usher, assistant professor of Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies at Old Dominion University, will discuss her research in a presentation titled: "Sun, Sand and Rising Seas: Resilience in Coastal Recreation and Tourism" at Smartmouth Brewing Company Pilot House in Virginia Beach on May 14.
Usher's Pub, which starts at 7 p.m., will be the first in a special series partnership between the University and WHRO focusing on sea-level rise and resilience in coastal Virginia. The series is supported by WHRO's Sinking Cities initiative. Sinking Cities is produced in conjunction with Peril and Promise, a WNET initiative telling stories of climate change.
"WHRO is privileged to partner with Old Dominion University's Science Pubs in support of our Sinking Cities project, a national public media initiative to tell stories of climate change," said Bert Schmidt, president and chief executive officer of WHRO. "As Hampton Roads is experiencing the highest rates of sea level rise along the U.S. East Coast, it is crucial for our community to be informed."
Science Pubs offer the perfect opportunity for residents to have a conversation with ODU researchers to learn more about the impact on our area, and what we, as citizens, can do, Schmidt said.
"Over the past several years we've been assessing resilience in the local tourism industry and trying to provide business owners with tools to improve their resilience," Usher added. "More resilient businesses mean a better tourism industry for workers, tourists and the local community."
In June, the second and third Pubs of the series will take place on June 18 and 25, respectively. On June 18, Mike Allen, assistant professor in Political Science and Geography, will discuss extreme heat and Hampton Roads during "Building Resilience to Heatwaves in a Changing Climate" at Oozlefinch Craft Brewery on Fort Monroe. On June 25, Dan Richards, assistant professor of English, will present "The Art of Communicating Science" at O'Connor Brewing Co. in Norfolk.
Networking begins at 6:30 p.m., and the talks begin at 7 p.m. The first 20 people to arrive and check in receive a free beverage ticket.
No background in the subjects are necessary; a curious mind is all that's needed.
