The panel discussion examined climate change and its potentially disastrous consequences for millions of poor and hungry Third World people.  An overwhelming number of the world’s climatologists now agree that all of humankind is threatened by climate change.  Most of the problems are attributed to unbridled industrialization and runaway human consumption. 

How are millions of poor people expected to cope with mounting floods, winds, land erosion, droughts, and diseases caused by climate change?  Africans already are experiencing climate-induced crop losses, degraded land and water shortages.  Basic questions abound. 

What actions should rich nations take to adapt to and mitigate climate change?  What should be the environmental obligations of fast industrializing nations like China?  And most immediately, what must we do to help the environmentally-besieged poor and hungry people of the world? 

Leading the discussion was Ray Suarez, a senior correspondent with the PBS Jim Lehrer NewsHour. 

This summary is presented online in several parts:

 1 - Dr. Schneider summarizes the latest research and science on climate change.  

2 - Dr. Phillip Nelson explains his research to develop technology and training methods that allow people to have an adequate year-round food supply. 

3 - Cynthia Rosenzweig talks about why the impact of climate change will be disproportionately felt by the poor. 

4 - Suzanne Hunt talks about biofuels and their impact on the environment.  

5 - The panel disucsses biofuels versus food fuels in those places where there is food insecurity. 

6 - The panel members talk about technology trade-offs and the pace of change. 

7 - The panel discusses how vunerability to climate change and responsibility of wealthier nations to take action. 

8 - Panel members discusses globalization and personal responsibility for economic choices.  

Question and Answer session