Cars and Climate Change: “Roadside Assistance: Driving Change on Our Streets and in The Oceans” panel discussion and luncheon October 23, 2012

WHAT: Climate change is one of the major challenges facing our oceans. Cars contribute to climate change with fuel consumption and emissions that generate carbon dioxide, contribute to smog, acid rain, and ozone depletion. Calling attention to the value of making good car purchases with their enhanced environmental protections as well as looking at our driving habits can make a difference in global climate change action.

WHO: Panelists include Ray Magliozzi of National Public Radio’s “Car Talk” show and one half of the brotherly Click and Clack duo; Herb Chambers, President of Herb Chambers Motor Group, Eric Evarts, Consumer Reports’ Senior Associate Autos Editor, and Scott Griffith, Chairman and CEO of Zipcar. Lisa Hughes, Emmy Award-winning journalist and news anchor of WBZ-TV, will lead the panel discussion. Bud Ris, the Aquarium’s President and CEO, will speak about the impact of climate change based on his extensive international and local leadership with the backdrop of a beautiful photographic journey that will be projected onto the largest movie screen in New England.

WHY: The panel luncheon was arranged by W2O (Women Working for Oceans), a new local organization founded by Barbara Burgess and Donna Hazard to host educational events that encourage action to protect the oceans. W2O’s work inspires thoughtful actions such as purchasing sustainable seafood, starting plastic-free campuses in school, advocating for sound environmental legislation, and making consumer decisions that directly impact our fragile oceans. W2O brings a hopeful and positive message to women and empowers them about being part of the climate change solution.