Chattanooga State invites the community to attend a brown bag lunch discussion focusing on global climate change.  Facilitated by Thom Benson, the communications manager at the Tennessee Aquarium and former meteorologist at WRCB, the event is open to the public free of charge.   Slated for Tuesday, April 28, the presentation begins at 11 a.m. in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room located in the Omniplex building on Chattanooga State’s main campus.  The presentation will last approximately one hour.

An integral part of Chattanooga State’s recognition of theYear of Science 2009, this forum allows for objective dialogue about the universal environmental condition and gives citizens an opportunity to talk candidly and comfortably about their concerns.  Dr. Ed Nichols, coordinator for mathematics and professor of math at Chattanooga State, planned the event to coincide with Mathematics Awareness Month and its theme of Mathematics and Climate.  “We wanted to open a discussion at Chattanooga State that encouraged anyone to question, consider and examine this complex topic at a local level,” says Dr. Nichols.  “Because he is an authority on climate and an advocate for the natural world, Thom Benson will be able to initiate a balanced discussion.  Thom has a deep interest in creating an exchange that benefits humanity and nature.”

A graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in broadcast meteorology, Thom Benson was a meteorologist for WRCB for 10 years.  Having a passion for the subject of climate change, Mr. Benson has had a long career-more than 20 years-studying climate and weather patterns and forecasting weather.  “I purposefully entitled the forum “I Don’t Know” as a way to communicate the standing bewilderment I know many have about climate change,” says Mr. Benson. “Everyone seems to have an opinion about global climate change, and unfortunately, many people are polarized by the issue,” suggests Mr. Benson.  “We receive so much information about the ecological status of the earth that it is difficult to know what information is reliable; therefore, individuals may feel paralyzed and overwhelmed by all they are hearing, wondering what they can do to have an impact.”

Mr. Benson continues by noting that “the April 28th program will bring people together to address their uncertainties about climate change and concentrate on cooperative measures that protect and safeguard our natural resources and ultimately, our planet.”

For more information about the brown bag lunch presentation by Thom Benson, contact Dr. Ed Nichols at 423.697.3350 or by email at edward.nichols@chattanoogastate.edu.

For more information about Chattanooga State and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733.  Information is also available on the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.