CSU joins nationwide teach-in about global warming solutions, Jan. 30-31
January 23, 2008
Two-day teach-in on global warming solutions
Colorado State University will participate in Focus the Nation, an unprecedented teach-in on global warming solutions, on Jan. 30-31. The university will host a two-day teach-in with presentations by roughly 50 faculty members, students, community members and local elected officials. Most of the presentations will be held in the Lory Student Center on CSU's campus and are free and open to the public.
More than 1,100 universities and colleges participating
Focus the Nation is an educational initiative on global warming solutions for America occurring simultaneously at more than 1,100 universities and colleges in all 50 states. As the largest teach-in in U.S. history, Focus the Nation is preparing students to become informed citizens and leaders in what may be one of the greatest challenges of the future.
"There's no better place than a land-grant university like CSU to offer good information about real-world issues, and the speakers who will take part in this event have much to teach us about the causes, likely effects, and possible solutions to global climate change," said Sue Ellen Campbell, Colorado State English professor and co-director of the CSU's Focus the Nation event.
"Additionally, Focus will deepen the multi-disciplinary climate change teaching initiative we have already initiated here on campus with the new Changing Climates @ CSU program," said co-director John Calderazzo, Colorado State English professor. Changing Climates is a lecture series on climate change started by Calderazzo and Campbell in the fall.
Panel discussion with local politicians on Feb. 1
In addition to the two-day event, Colorado State has invited local politicians to participate in a panel discussion on Feb. 1. State Reps. John Kefalas and Randy Fisher and state Sens. Steve Johnson and Bob Bacon will discuss how the government can get involved in providing solutions to growing climate change problems. The panel discussion is from 3-5 p.m., Feb. 1 in Eddy Hall Room 212.
Colorado State is internationally known for research into the development of clean energy solutions including alternative fuels, clean engines, photovoltaic devices and other solar energy production capabilities, intelligent electric power grid, wind engineering, water resources, and satellite-based atmospheric monitoring and tracking systems. The university's interdisciplinary approach leads directly to innovative research, new startup companies, and economic development with a global impact.
CSU Committee on Sustainability and the Environment
As part of that effort, President Larry Edward Penley established a Committee on Sustainability and the Environment to advance sustainability activities on campus. That includes investigating new academic curriculum and enhanced campus-wide conservation and energy efficiency, among other things.
For the complete schedule, visit the Changing Climates @ CSU program at http://changingclimates.colostate.edu.
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For more information, also visit http://www.focusthenation.org or contact John Calderazzo at (970) 491-6896.
Contact: Kimberly Sorensen
Email: Kimberly.Sorensen@colostate.edu
Phone Number: (970) 491-0757
