Oceans of Innovation

Pacific Visions® is open!  And technically, it's the brand-new, almost 29,000-square-foot wing of the Aquarium of the Pacific, in Long Beach.

But it's also a powerful weapon against climate change.

Divided into four different areas, the Pacific Visions® wing uses art, sensors, digital technology and special effects to convey a message.

That message: if we want a sustainable future, our interactions with the planet--specifically, our oceans--need to change immediately.

Dr. Jerry Schubel is the President and CEO of Aquarium of the Pacific.   Among his numerous areas of expertise: the use of art as a means for science and environmental communication.   Since he first began serving as President of the Aquarium in 2002, Dr. Schubel has developed a number of programs aimed at both dealing with environment issues, and educating the general public on conservation.

Just after the grand opening of the Pacific Visions® wing to the public on Friday, May 24th, Dr. Schubel talked briefly about the new addition to the Aquarium, and what it can mean in terms of research and education for a sustainable future.
On this edition of Over Coffee® you will hear:

How Dr. Schubel first became inspired to make oceanography his life's work;

The story of the new Pacific Visions® wing;

How the Aquarium is combining art and science to deliver powerful messages;

How Pacific Visions® combines art and science in its four separate areas to reach arts-oriented visitors with its message;

Healthy change individuals could make, in their own lives, towards a more sustainable future;

One possible (and sometimes controversial) energy solution;