Dean’s Message:
Coming of Age in Copenhagen

From the Spring 2010 Issue

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<p>I thought you would be interested in this article from <em>environment: YALE</em> magazine, the Journal of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies.<br />
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<h3 style="color:#666;">Dean’s Message: Coming of Age in Copenhagen</h3>
<p> <span class="dropcap">T</span>he Copenhagen summit would surely be considered a disappointment if the ratification of an international climate treaty were the only measure of success. The agreement by nations to only “take note” of an accord that limits the increase in global temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels is as frustrating in its timidity as it is a serious cause for concern. Only two years ago, the upper limit of a safe atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide was considered to be 350 parts per million, but current levels are now approaching 390 parts per million. <img height="160" src="http://environment.yale.edu/magazine/uploads/Crane-Headshot-facebook.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 9px 9px 9px 0pt;" width="128" /> The preindustrial level of carbon dioxide was approximately 270 parts per million. The world needs to act in concert, and soon, to halt this alarming trajectory and its concomitant pernicious effects on us and on the biosphere.</p> <p> But being an optimist by nature, I am encouraged to report that out of the chaos of Copenhagen emerged a few hopeful signs. The presence of so many heads of state at the summit reflected a growing recognition that climate change is no longer just an environmental issue, consigned to some green ghetto, but a core issue of global concern that needs to be addressed in international negotiations on trade, economic development, competitiveness and public health. And at least from the perspective of Yale’s involvement, the summit could be considered a rousing success.</p> <p> Yale’s 90-strong delegation in Copenhagen included…

<p><a href="http://environment.yale.edu/magazine/spring2010/deans-message-coming-of-age-in-copenhagen/">Read the Full Article</a></p>
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Dean’s Message: Coming of Age in Copenhagen

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Dean’s Message:
Coming of Age in Copenhagen