Bob McDonald, a reporter and host for CBC programs The National and Quirks and Quarks, demonstrates how little fresh drinking water actually exists on the planet. Helping is volunteer Melanie Barnett, a second-year Office Administration student.
Did you know Canadians consume more energy per person than almost every other country? With resources dwindling and demand rising, scientists across the world are researching realistic alternatives for a clean energy future.
Students, faculty and staff enjoyed the informative presentation, Energy, Who Cares? by national journalist Bob McDonald, on October 2. McDonald's presentation explored the history of global warming and alternative ways to produce fuel. Giving examples from countries around the world, he pointed out both the advantages and disadvantages of each method, while encouraging the bright minds on campus and in the community to continue to strive toward a solution.
He even included a volunteer from the audience to help make a point. Melanie Barnett, a second-year Office Administration student, was more than willing to assist. McDonald filled a glass of water to the brim, which represented all the water on the planet. He then emptied 90 per cent of it into a jug, allowing for the world's salt water, followed by emptying water to account for the world's frozen water, underground water, plant water and air or evaporated water. Left in the glass was literally a drop of water, which represented the amount of fresh water on the earth that humans can consume and noted that much of it is polluted by metals, oils and gases.
"We haven't had to think about cleanliness and efficiency until recently," said McDonald, who sees himself as a link between scientists and the public. He feels evolution is the key in dealing with climate change, rather than revolution. For example, he noted to listen to Mozart during Mozart's lifetime, one would need to go see him live. Today, CDs and MP3 players enable listeners to hear his music. McDonald noted that the art of music has not changed, but the technology has.
"Let's do that with the environment," he said.
The host of CBC's Quirks and Quarks, the award-winning science program with a national audience of nearly 500,000 people, McDonald is also a regular reporter for CBC's The National, along with hosting and writing the Gemini Award-nominated children's series Heads Up.
Additionally, McDonald has written two science books for children and contributed to numerous science textbooks, newspapers and magazines, including the Globe and Mail, Owl Magazine and his latest book, Measuring the Earth With a Stick.
McDonald has been honoured often for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of science in Canada, including being named the 2001 recipient of the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), receiving the 2001 Sir Sandford Fleming Medal from the Royal Canadian Institute, the 2005 recipient of the McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science through the Royal Society of Canada, and recipient of two honorary doctorates from the University of Guelph and Carleton University.