ASU's Urban Climate Research Center is excited to present our annual Anthony J. Brazel Urban Climate Lecture Series as we welcome Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd from the University of Georgia.

Dr. Shepherd is a renowned expert in weather and climate, and a past president of the American Meteorological Society (AMS). He is a regular TV personality, a contributor to Forbes Magazine, and his TedX Atlanta Talk on “Slaying Climate Zombies” is one of the most viewed climate lectures on YouTube.

He will be sharing his talk "Can cities make it rain?"

Many people are familiar with something called the Urban Heat Island, which describes how and why cities are often warmer than surrounding areas. It is one of the most profound examples of human activity altering the weather and climate. Heat islands have been aggressively studied and publicized in recent decades but the public, decision-makers, and stakeholders may be less familiar with the impact cities have on precipitation and flooding. Dr. Shepherd, who has been honored at the White House and by the American Meteorological Society for his pioneering work on the "Urban Rainfall Effect," will offer a fascinating discussion on the topic with perspectives on science and decision-making. Some of Dr. Shepherd's early work on the topic was even inspired by Dr. Tony Brazel.