Combating Climate Change

This Post is Currently in DraftDraft

2 min

A recent survey of 26 nations found that climate change ranks as the world’s top security threat, even ahead of terrorism and cyber attacks, while a NASA report shows that the last five years have been the warmest on Earth in 140 years of record keeping – a clear sign that human activity has caused major shifts in global climate and weather patterns. The fight to find an effective solution has now come to Congress, where Democrats and Republicans are clashing over the Green New Deal, a proposal that lays out a broad vision to address climate change and economic inequality.

Hofstra experts who can address environmental and political issues related to climate change include:

Professors Jase Bernhardt and Bob Brinkmann, experts in sustainability, environment, and climate change, can discuss how warmer air and water increase the likelihood of more intense hurricanes, wildfires and droughts, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels – all of which can displace communities and habitats, affect food and water supplies, and cripple important ecosystems.

Public health professor Anthony Santella can explain how climate change poses a global health concern, with potentially higher rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease, injuries, heat-related illness and death, and forced migration – particularly for at-risk communities such as ethnic minorities, older adults, children and adolescents, low-income persons, and persons with chronic diseases.

Biology professor Lisa Filippi can discuss how the extinction of insect species can affect the earth’s ecosystems. A new study published by the journal Biological Conservation warns that over 40% of insect species are facing extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, pollutants and climate change. Some species, however – such as cockroaches and houseflies – will thrive under these conditions.

Political science professor Rosanna Perotti can discuss how government and politics play a role in how climate change is addressed, while economics and labor studies professor Gregory DeFreitas can discuss the potential economic impact of the Green New Deal.

Connect with:

Jase Bernhardt

Associate Professor of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability

Dr. Bernhardt's current research is focused on using VR technology to teach about dangerous weather conditions.

Rip Tide safetyHurricanesClimatologyClimate ChangeWeather

Rosanna Perotti

Professor of Political Science

Professor Perotti's expertise is in American politics, including Congress, elections and political parties.

American PoliticsCongressMedia and PoliticsAmerican Political PartiesAmerican Elections

Gregory DeFreitas

Professor of Economics, Director of the Center for the Study of Labor and Democracy

Prof. DeFreitas is an expert on labor studies.

Labor EconomicsResearch MethodsUrban EconomicsMicroeconomicsAfrican Economic Development

Find Experts

Jun 4, 2026

2 min

The World Cup Beyond the Pitch

As the FIFA World Cup kicks off this month across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, global attention will focus on the action on the field. But some of the most important stories surrounding the tournament may happen beyond the final score. A recent Hofstra University article 'Hofstra History Professor Plays Key Role in 2026 World Cup Antidiscrimination Efforts' highlighted the work of historian and soccer scholar Brenda Elsey, who has been involved in efforts to address discrimination, inclusion, and fan culture issues connected to major international football events. Her work examines how race, gender, politics, identity, and social change intersect with the world's most popular sport. Dr. Brenda Elsey is a leading soccer scholar whose research explores the intersection of football, politics, gender, and society in Latin America. She has written extensively on the history and cultural impact of the sport, including its role in shaping identity, social movements, and international events. View her profile here For journalists, the 2026 World Cup presents opportunities to explore topics ranging from fan behaviour and inclusivity to the social and cultural impacts of hosting one of the largest sporting events on the planet. Questions around accessibility, equity, nationalism, gender representation, and the evolving role of sport in public life are expected to be part of the broader conversation surrounding the tournament. Brenda Elsey is a leading expert on the history, politics, and culture of soccer, with particular expertise in issues of gender, discrimination, and social justice in sport. Her research has examined how major international tournaments reflect broader societal trends and challenges, making her a valuable source for media looking to provide deeper context beyond match results and standings. Whether covering host cities, fan experiences, emerging controversies, or the legacy of the tournament, journalists seeking expert insight into the broader cultural significance of FIFA World Cup 2026 should consider connecting with Brenda Elsey.

May 28, 2026

1 min

Dr. Herman Berliner to be Honored at CUNY Graduate Center Commencement

Dr. Herman A. Berliner, Hofstra University provost emeritus and professor of economics, will be honored at the 60th annual commencement of CUNY Graduate Center, City University of New York, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Dr. Berliner, who earned a PhD in economics from CUNY Graduate Center and a bachelor’s degree from CUNY’s City College, will receive the President’s Distinguished Alumni Medal. He served as Hofstra University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for 28 years and multiple terms as dean of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business. The CUNY Graduate Center commencement ceremony will be held at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall.

May 26, 2026

1 min

Julian Ku Discusses China-Taiwan Tensions in The New York Times

Hofstra Law Professor Julian Ku offers insight into rising geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan in a recent New York Times feature. The article, “Inside the Secret Mission to Fly Taiwan’s President to Africa,” examined how several countries reportedly denied airspace access for Lai’s aircraft amid pressure from Beijing. A scholar of international law and U.S. foreign relations law, Professor Ku framed the episode as part of a broader strategic effort by China to constrain Taiwan through legal and regulatory means rather than direct confrontation.