Renowned environmental lawyer and activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is scheduled to speak about the role of the natural world, during the next Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR) public policy lecture.

Mr. Kennedy, who has been dubbed an ?eco-warrior? will give a talk ? ?A Contract with our Future? ? at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on November 4.

In the United States he serves as senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defence Council.

He is a clinical professor at Pace University School of Law and supervising attorney at the Environmental Litigation Clinic in New York.

He has worked on several political campaigns, including the presidential campaigns of Edward M. Kennedy in 1980, Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004.

Next week he will discuss the vital role natural surroundings play in work, health and identity. He will argue that good environmental policy is good business policy.

?Gossip, pseudo-porn, terror and distorted reporting have turned Americans into the best-entertained and the least-informed people in the world,? said Mr. Kennedy. ?Most Americans know more about Scott Peterson than they do about the mercury and asthma that are making them sick.?

Mr. Kennedy?s reputation as a resolute defender of the environment stems from a litany of successful legal actions,? said event organiser Alison Shadbolt of the BBSR.

?He was named one of Time magazine?s ?Heroes for the Planet? for his success helping an organisation called Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River.

The group?s achievement helped spawn more than 125 Waterkeeper organisations across the globe.?

Mr. Kennedy has published many articles in prominent newspapers and magazines and several books including ?Crimes Against Nature?, and ?The Riverkeepers? (1997).

According to Ms Shadbolt, the goal of the BBSR public policy lecture series is to bring some of the most compelling scientists and public policy experts in the world to Bermuda.

BBSR launched the series in September with a talk by Dr. Sylvia Earle, famous marine biologist and National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence.

During her visit, Dr. Earle also met with 50 local students at the Bermuda Aquarium to recount her experiences as a marine scientist, answer their questions and encourage them to learn more about the ocean surrounding them. In October, one of the world?s leading hurricane experts, Dr. Kerry Emanuel, gave a lecture on hurricanes.

The lecture will be on November 4 starting with a reception at 6.30 p.m. Reservations are required. Those interested in more information or in reserving a place for the lecture should telephone the BBSR at 297-1880 extension 204, e-mail vshortobbsr.edu or visit BBSR?s web site at www.bbsr.edu.