Fiat Lux Redux: A New Narrative for the Ocean

On the next episode of Fiat Lux Redux, Tuesday, June 24 at 9:00 AM, The Honorable Jane Lubchenko, renowned marine ecologist and Valley Professor of Marine Biology and University Distinguished Professor of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University, discusses a new narrative for the ocean–one that acknowledges that the ocean is neither infinitely resilient or beyond repair, but instead, too central and important to ignore –neither too big to fail, nor too big to fix.  A new narrative is emerging, based on scientific findings, existing solutions, and innovative partnerships and policies that acknowledges that the ocean is central to a safe, clean, healthy, just, and prosperous future.

Lubchenko is a marine ecologist with expertise in the ocean, climate change, and interactions between the environment and human well-being.  She has significant experience in government, including roles as NOAA Administrator and White House Deputy Director for Climate and Environment. She is an elected member of top science academies and has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science and society, also co-founding several science and policy organizations such as the research-policy network of university researchers, the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO); she co-founded the National Ocean Protection Coalition that unifies U.S. organizations working for effective ocean protection; and she co-founded a science-industry partnership, SeaBOS, Seafood Businesses for Ocean Stewardship.

Dr. Lubchenco received a B.A. in biology from Colorado College, a M.S. in zoology from the University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in ecology from Harvard University. She has held faculty appointments at Harvard University, Stanford University, and Oregon State University.

This lecture took place at International House on the UC Berkeley campus March 13, 2025, as part of the Charles M. and Martha Hitchcock Lectures at the Graduate Division of UC Berkeley.

Co-sponsors – Rausser College of Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Policy and Management, Climate Equity and Environmental Justice Roundtable, Goldman School of Public Policy.

Fiat Lux Redux presents previously aired lectures, conversations, and podcasts originating on the campus of UC Berkeley every other Tuesday from 9am to 9:30am. These often-lengthy original programs have been edited to a 30-minute format by experienced KALX producers. The show’s name, Latin for “Let there be light”, is a reference to the University of California’s motto, which is also Fiat Lux. The show’s goal is to provide listeners with a window into the intellectual and cultural life of UC Berkeley and to showcase the wide range of subjects and diversity of thought and ideas that are present at UC Berkeley.