Dr Golay will discuss the performance requirements for a stable long term response to climate change, and the reasons behind them. The focus will treat climate change as a current phenomenon requiring a prompt response if our grandchildren are to have a stable, desirable future. This discussion will rely substantially upon material taught in the MIT course, Sustainable Energy which, Dr Golay has led for the past 23 years. It is one of the most popular interdisciplinary courses at MIT, being joint-listed in five Academic departments. Its focus is upon energy and the environment, and has become increasingly concerned with the climate change in recent years.

Dr. Michael W. Golay is a professor of nuclear science and engineering at MIT, where he has worked since 1971. He is director of the Reactor Technology Course for Utility Executives and the Nuclear Operational Risk Management Course, both cosponsored by MIT and the National Academy for Nuclear training. He has focused his work upon improving nuclear power performance both in the US and internationally, particularly through use of probabilistic and dynamic methods of analysis. Recent activities include low carbon energy strategies, risk-informing nuclear enterprises and projects, and service on the National Academy of Sciences Fukushima Study Committee. Professor Golay received his Ph. D. in nuclear engineering from Cornell University, and performed post-doctoral research at Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute.

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