The Buried origin of Environmental and Political Polarization in the U.S.
Monday, November 12th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm (Hogan Lovells)
From the late 19th century until 1970, the U.S. was consistently at the frontier of new scientific and technical advances relating to public health and environment. This continued with the groundbreaking 1970 Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments. The CAA was approved unanimously in the Senate en route to overwhelming vote by Congress and signature by President Nixon. The CAA and other 1970 legislation gave the U.S. world leadership in environmental policy.
However, by 1980 a rift opened between environmentalists and industry. In the ensuing decade the rift widened into partisan political polarization. Domestic political conflict not seen since the Civil War and unique among advanced nations has continued to grow to the present.
Frank T. Manheim AB '52 first chronicled the origin and evolution of political polarization in a book in 2009. It included interviews with key witnesses and actors from all sides of the political divide. He has subsequently uncovered new aspects. In his illustrated lecture, Manheim will reveal details of this widely overlooked or ignored story. He will discuss and answer questions about its significance for today’s conflict over global climate change and other contemporary problems.
Frank Manheim Biography
Frank T. Manheim AB '52 was formerly a senior ocean and earth scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey. He is the recipient of a Swedish Academy of Science medal for excellence in chemical oceanography and other honors. Since 2003 he has been an Affiliate Professor and Distinguished Research Fellow at the Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington VA. The conflict over U.S. environmental policy has been a prime research focus.
Registration
Harvard Club members and their guests: $45/person
Non-Members: $65/person
Ticket includes talk, full dinner, and drinks
Menu
- Asian mixed greens- with sesame citrus vinaigrette
- Teriyaki chicken kabobs- Sesame scallion sauce
- Miso-glazed salmon
- Honey- ginger carrots
- Jasmine coconut rice
- Sliced fruit
- Crème brulee
- Sliced fruit
- Chefs Assorted Sweets
Venue
This venue is fully handicap accessible and our meals are designed to accommodate vegetarians.
The nearest metro station is Metro Center. Exit at 12th and F Street, NW. Your destination is the building named "Columbia Square" which will you see right in front of you as you exit the escalator.
There are several nearby parking garages including:
- Columbia Square Parking Garage: 555 12th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 (202) 637-8105
- Parking Management: 600 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 (202) 347-5469