Plenary/Keynote Sessions
Wednesday, April 8th • 12:45 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Fingerprinting Methods for “CSI” Investigations of Spilled Oil
Ioana G. Petrisor, Ph.D, Biochemist with Great Ecology, Editor of Environmental Forensics Journal
Dr. Ioana G. Petrisor, Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Forensics Journal and the author of the recently published book “Environmental Forensics Fundamentals – A Practical Guide”, will present the state-of-the-art of fingerprinting techniques, illustrating their use in spilled oil source identification and age-dating. The typical tiered fingerprinting approach (including chemical and isotopic fingerprinting) will be overviewed, along with emerging techniques such as tree-ring fingerprinting (dendroecology). Innovative approaches used in real cases will be discussed. These techniques provide evidence used in the Court of Law to track and elucidate “environmental crimes” and to allocate between responsible parties. Beyond the legal application, the presented techniques provide powerful tools for sustainable site characterization and remediation.
Thursday, April 9th • 8:30 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.
Action! Media and the Arts Take a Leading Role in Sustainability
Amanda Scarano Carter, Entertainment Operational Consultant and Producer, Green Penny Productions; Managing Director, Arts Earth Partnership; and West Coast Chair, Producers Guild of America Green Initiative
Whether creating environmentally themed content, implementing green best practices, or leading by example, the Arts have a valuable role to play in the area of sustainability. In addition to caring about the impact of their messages, Media and the Arts have started thinking about the impact of HOW those messages are created. From motion pictures and museums to private galleries and small theaters, the Media and Arts communities work to creatively address the issues with their artists, crew and audiences.
Friday, April 10th • 8:30 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.
Plastic Pollution, Problems and Solutions
Bill Francis, Director and President Emeritus, Algalita Marine Research and Education
The issue of plastic pollution has gained world-wide attention over the last several years. Why? A very small group of dedicated individuals taught themselves about the extent of plastic pollution and its harmful effects in our oceans, then took that message to the rest of the world. This presentation will review the findings from research in this emerging field, conducted primarily in the North Pacific Ocean. Detrimental effects will be reviewed, including the potential for impact on the human race.
The most recent research expedition done by Algalita Marine Research and Education will be reviewed. Potential solutions, including industry/environmental partnerships, further research, and individual actions are discussed.
Plastic pollution was named one of the most problematic issues by the United Nations Environmental Programme. See why, and what can be done to stop it.