By Stowell P. Watters

Staff Writer

Saco city officials will host an Earth Day speech April 22 by a scientist who has traveled the globe studying ice.

Dr. Paul Mayewski has led more than 45 expeditions to locales such as the Himalayas and Antarctica, said former Mayor Bill Johnson. Director and Professor of the Climate Change Institute and Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Maine, Mayewski uses ice core samples – long tubular cuts of ice taken from glaciers that scientists can use to study the history of the polar regions – to research what he calls “rapid climate change.”

According to information provided by Johnson, Mayewski has done extensive research on changes that he asserts have occurred to the chemistry of Earth’s atmosphere. Mayewski led the first multi-disciplinary land expedition to the South Pole. He also led the first expedition into Northern Victoria Land, a remote locale of Antarctica. Through it all, Mayewski has had his sights set on the ice.

“Ice tells a story, a history and indicators for the future. That is what he studies,” Johnson said.

Mayewski will discuss the human impact on the climate change and discuss whether it is a natural process or part of a “new state,” Johnson said. He will address the human impact on climate change and will conclude with an inquiry; where do we go next?

Saco Mayor Roland Michaud said his city is asking the same question.

“We were one of the first places to have curbside recycling. We have the windmills and I believe the one on Main Street is an iconic presentation of where we are going – how we are progressively moving forward,” Michaud said. “We are looking into the future.”

Saco City Administrator Rick Michaud said the talk is a part of Saco’s “progressive” attitude toward the environment.

“Take the energy committee for example, that is one of the wisest things we have ever done,” he said.

The event featuring Mayewski is hosted by the First Parish Church in Saco, and is sponsored by the city of Saco and Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution. Tickets are free, and all attendees are encouraged to carpool or bike to the event.