Texas Tech professor, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe returned back to Lubbock after she shared the stage with President Obama and Leonardo DiCaprio at the White House for the first South by South Lawn: A Festival of Ideas, Art and Action. The group had an engaging discussion on climate change and the important role citizens play.
“It was a tremendous opportunity to talk about climate change on the stage at the White House,” said Dr. Hayhoe. “The reality is we need to be talking about this no matter where we are, here in Texas, or in Florida where they are experiencing the hurricane.”
Dr. Hayhoe shared her thoughts on Hurricane Matthew and the correlation it has with climate change. Currently, millions of residents are being evacuated from their homes in Florida as the storm approaches.
“What’s unusual about it is its incredible strength, it has maintained a category 3, 4, 5 status longer than any other hurricane,” said Dr. Hayhoe. “Why? Because we are looking at record high ocean temperatures.”
During the discussion, President Obama and DiCaprio acknowledged Dr. Hayhoe’s research at Texas Tech and the Lone Star state as a whole.
“I actually took Texas Tech caps with me to give to him and Leonardo” said Dr. Hayhoe. “So we might be seeing one of them wearing it in the future.”
She said she felt extremely comfortable on the stage with them and knew she had an important message to share.
Dr. Hayhoe said she is hosting a discussion at The Fox and Hound on 82nd street on Tuesday, October 11 — about how climate change plays a role in the upcoming election. The discussion starts at 5:00 PM and Dr. Hayhoe said anyone is welcome to join.
