Dr. David Hastings is a distinguished oceanographer and educator with extensive expertise in marine geochemistry, climate change indicators, and microplastics research. He earned his PhD and MS in Oceanography from the University of Washington and a BS in Chemistry, cum laude, from Princeton University. Over a career spanning decades, Dr. Hastings has held positions as a professor at Eckerd College, a guest investigator at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and a scholar in residence at Climate Solutions.
With more than 30 years of experience in scientific research, teaching, and mentoring students, Dr. Hastings has contributed to over 40 peer-reviewed publications. His research encompasses trace metal biogeochemistry, plastics in marine environments, paleoceanography, chemical oceanography, and the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. His work is driven by a commitment to producing and applying the best available science, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity.
Beyond academia, Dr. Hastings is an active science communicator and policy advocate. He has been invited to speak at more than 50 events, including serving as a keynote speaker for the St. Petersburg March for Science. He regularly engages in policy discussions on climate change, working with both the public and elected officials to promote science-based solutions.
What’s more, this so-called “Authority” is prohibited by law from considering the climate crisis or our neighbors’ energy burdens. Your vote this November will determine how Gainesville manages our response to the rapidly changing climate. Last week, the massive climate impacts from Hurricane Helene reminded us of the enormous costs of continuing to burn fossil fuels.
Dissolving the GRU Authority is a necessary first step toward reversing the implementation of several controversial bad decisions made by the GRU Authority.