Edelman Fossil Park & Museum's Kenneth Lacovara speaks at United Nations

Kenneth Lacovara, Ph.D., founding director and chief scientist of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University, spoke Sept. 23 at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Media Zone during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

In a panel discussion titled "From Evidence to Action: Making Climate and Biodiversity Change Visible," moderated by Laura Geggle, managing editor of Live Science, Lacovara joined environmental advocate Tanushah Ramadass and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Louie Psihoyos.

Drawing on his expertise as a paleontologist, Lacovara, who is also the founding dean of Rowan's School of Earth & Environment, discussed how fossils, rock layers and past mass extinctions help scientists understand the effects of environmental change over time. He noted the current pace of climate change is breaking the biological "speed limit," leaving many species unable to adapt quickly enough and accelerating the loss of wildlife worldwide.

The panel explored how scientific evidence can reach broader audiences through environmental advocacy and visual storytelling. The conversation focused on translating scientific evidence into public awareness and action while helping people better understand biodiversity loss and climate change.

"This is all we're ever going to have: this Earth and each other," Lacovara said. "And it's time for us to be better ancestors."

Presented by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, the SDG Media Zone brings together researchers, policymakers, advocates and storytellers from around the world to discuss solutions to global challenges.