Edward Struzik, an author and journalist who writes about scientific and environmental issues.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ UBCO

An award-winning writer, photographer and environmental advocate is speaking about North America’s vulnerability to wildfire as part of UBC Okanagan’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

Edward Struzik — who has been writing about scientific and environmental issues for more than 30 years — will share his perspective on the impacts wildfire has on air and water quality, and how communities can cope as fires are burning bigger and more often, putting more people at risk.

During the lecture, he'll touch on how environmental racism, aggressive firefighting strategies and political indifference have contributed to society’s vulnerability to future fires, according to an UBCO media release.

He’ll also talk about his book Dark Days at Noon: The Future of Fire, which explores the history of fire and how he believes modern society’s response to it is misguided.

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Struzik is a member at Queen’s University Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy and a member of the New York Times Bog Squad – a group of experts who answer questions about the role bogs, fens and other peat-accumulating wetlands play in climate change and biodiversity.

He is published in Canadian Geographic and Scientific American magazines among other prominent publications and his photos are found in books, magazines and exhibitions presented by notable organizations.

Struzik was recently featured in National Geographic’s documentary The Last Ice.

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The lecture is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St. It's presented by Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science.

This community event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

Go here for registration details.

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