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UnfrozenArctic

Arctic Unfrozen – Jun 8

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Earth’s Arctic endures the dual threat of climate change and geopolitical competition. Sea ice is melting, and permafrost is thawing. At the same time, global interest is growing rapidly as the region continues to transform from frozen expanse to contested international waterway. The consequences of the emerging “Arctic Anthropocene” are truly global — from rising sea levels due to melting glaciers to tensions between great powers determined to protect their territories and resources, and the well-being of Indigenous peoples who have fought for centuries for rights and recognition.
 
Wonderfest joins Commonwealth Club World Affairs to present Dr. Mia Bennett, Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Washington, in conversation with Andrew Dudley, co-host of “Earth Live,” about her new book Unfrozen: The Fight for the Future of the Arctic. 
 
This event can be enjoyed in-person only. Pre-register with the Commonwealth Club / World Affairs via the “Tickets” link, below. Use promo code WONDERNAUTS for a $10 ticket discount.

Dr. Mia Bennett

WHAT: Arctic Unfrozen
WHO: Dr. Mia Bennett, Assoc. Professor of Geography, University of Washington [https://www.cryopolitics.com/mia-bennett/]
WHERE: Toni Rembe Rock Auditorium, Commonwealth Club, 110 The Embarcadero, San Francisco CA 94105
WHEN: Monday, June 8 — 5:30pm (1 hour)
COLLABORATORS:
Commonwealth Club World Affairs [https://www.commonwealthclub.org]
HOW: During the last stage of online ticket purchase from the Commonwealth Club (via the "Tickets" link, below), use promo code WONDERNAUTS to secure a discount of $10.
Tickets
EvolutionOnTrial

Evolution on Trial – July 8

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2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the “Trial of the Century”: Tennessee vs. John T. Scopes, the first major legal assault against the teaching of evolution in America. Mostly because of the fictional movie Inherit the Wind, the Scopes “monkey trial” is wrongly perceived as a victory for evolution over the forces of obscurantism. The full story is much more complex and interesting, involving science, religion, law, education, politics, celebrities, modern communications, and the politicization of science.

Our Wonderfest speaker is physical anthropologist Dr. Eugenie Scott, author of Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction, and former director of the National Center for Science Education. Genie is the recipient of numerous awards from both scientists and educators, including the National Academy of Sciences Public Welfare Medal.


Dr. Eugenie Scott

WHAT: The "Trial of the Century": Scopes at 100
WHO: Dr. Eugenie Scott, Former Director, National Center for Science Education [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenie_Scott]
WHERE: HopMonk Tavern, 224 Vintage Way, Novato CA 94945 [https://www.hopmonk.com/novato]
WHEN: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 — 7pm (1.5 hr)
HOW: This event is free and unticketed ... and valuable. But what value does it have FOR YOU (and, indirectly, for society)? Accordingly, please use the DONATE button (below) to support Wonderfest in its nonprofit mission to share the scientific outlook.
Help share the scientific outlook - donate!
Mualim+Soria

Anthropocene Alarm; Partisan Contagion – Mar 18

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Wonderfest Science Envoys are early-career researchers with enhanced communication skills and aspirations. Following short talks on provocative modern science topics, these two Science Envoys will answer questions with insight and enthusiasm:

• UC Berkeley biologist Kristy Mualim on Genetic Biodiversity Loss in the Anthropocene — In the Anthropocene, the age of planet-wide human impact, activities like habitat destruction, pollution, and resource overuse cause rapid loss of genetic diversity. This loss makes it harder for plants and animals to adapt to changes in the environment, putting entire species at risk of extinction. Protecting genetic diversity is crucial for keeping ecosystems healthy, and for ensuring the survival of life on Earth.

• UC Berkeley demographer Chris Soria on Partisan Differences in the Spread of Disease — Political partisanship significantly influences how different groups respond to public health guidance, affecting their adherence to protective measures against infectious diseases. Understanding partisan-based disparities in acceptance of scientific evidence helps us to predict the population-wide spread of diseases, and to improve public health outcomes.

This interactive science presentation, free and unticketed, is produced by Wonderfest in partnership with Marin Science Seminar.

 

WHAT: Ask a Science Envoy: Anthropocene Alarm; Partisan Contagion
WHO: Kristy Mualim (UC Berkeley) & Chris Soria (UC Berkeley), Wonderfest Science Envoys
WHERE: HopMonk Tavern, 224 Vintage Way, Novato CA 94945 [https://www.hopmonk.com/novato]
WHEN: Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025 — 7pm (1.5 hr)
COLLABORATORS:
Marin Science Seminar [https://marinscienceseminar.com]
HOW: This event is free and unticketed ... and valuable. But what value does it have FOR YOU (and, indirectly, for society)? Accordingly, please use the DONATE button (below) to support Wonderfest in its nonprofit mission to share the scientific outlook.
Help share the scientific outlook - donate!