Extreme Weather in a Warming World
Dr. Stephen Vermette is a professor of geography in the Department of Geosciences at SUNY Buffalo State University where he has taught meteorology, climatology, and environmental courses and mentored students over the past 30 years. He currently serves as a Research Associate of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences and as a Board Member of the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Dr. Vermette graduated with his doctorate from McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario) and was employed by the Illinois State Water Survey’s Atmospheric Chemistry Division where he worked on the Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN) which focused on the deposition of airborne pollutants to the Great lakes and co-created the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN). While in Buffalo, Dr. Vermette won several teaching awards and has been recognized for his work with National Geographic’s New York Geographic Alliance (NYGA) to ensure the geographic literacy of the next generation. One focus was the development of, and training of teachers to use, surface water quality kits. He has published numerous articles on local weather (providing local weather expertise for media outlets) and on environmental-related issues ranging from air pollution to surface water quality.
Dr. Vermette received a commendation from the National Geographic Society for his dedicated leadership rendered to the State of New York to ensure the geographic literacy of the next generation. The Wall Street Journal referred to Dr. Vermette as a “rare climatologist”, noting that he co-curated (with Tullis Johnson) a traveling art exhibition entitled “Charles E. Burchfield: Weather Event” which received an Award of Commendation from Museumwise. Dr. Vermette has an eclectic interest in all things related to weather and climate, especially as it relates to Western New York. He is currently hosting the Golden Snowball Trophy on behalf of the City of Buffalo.
Topic
Extreme Weather in a Warming World
How is it that a warming world leads to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including cold weather extremes? How is Western New York fairing in a warming world and what is this talk of Buffalo being a climate change refuge city?
Rotary Themes
The environment and economic and community development.