Scientists from around the world discuss climate change

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — About 800 scientists from around the world will gather in Grand Rapids to discuss climate change and its effects on sustainability and aquatic ecosystems.

Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute is sponsoring the annual meeting of The North American Benthological Society on Sunday, May 17, at the Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids.

“Scientists will present their latest findings regarding the current state of our freshwater aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on rivers and streams, but also dealing with lakes and wetlands,” said Al Steinman, director of the Annis Water Resources Institute.

Paul Ehrlich, professor of population studies and president of the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University, is the featured Plenary speaker.

Ehrlich has done long-term studies of the structure, dynamics, and genetics of natural butterfly populations. He has also been a pioneer in alerting the public to problems of overpopulation, and in raising issues of population, resources and the environment as matters of public policy.

Ehrlich is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

For more information, contact GVSU News and Information Services at (616) 331-2221 or Al Steinman at (616) 331-3749.