Many Colgate students are focused on the environment and they want the rest of the country to be, too.
A team of 30 students working with Robert Turner, professor of economics and environmental studies, organized campus events as part of Focus the Nation, a national teach-in centered on finding solutions to global warming
This will provide students with an opportunity to attend panel discussions, see films, and participate in numerous conversations with professors and peers, while similar events are held at more than 1,000 colleges, schools, places of worship, civic organizations, and businesses across the country.
Invitations from the Colgate team have been extended to national and local government officials in order to convey a strong desire for immediate political action.
"There are over 1,000 places nationwide signed up to participate, so we're hoping it makes a big enough splash and that we have enough places where the politicians are involved in a conversation with others that it will create a sense of urgency," explained Turner.
The campus events begin Wednesday night (Jan. 30) with the screening of The 11th Hour, a film produced and narrated by actor Leonardo DiCaprio. The film will be shown at the Hamilton Movie Theater and will be followed by a discussion led by Colgate professors.
On Thursday, there is a jam-packed schedule, beginning at 8:30 with a discussion about climate change and developing nations and ending with a second screening of The 11th Hour at 7:45 p.m.
The panel discussions will be held in different campus venues and involve students, staff members, and faculty members from a wide range of disciplines.
"We're really excited to offer the Colgate and Hamilton communities so many opportunities to learn about different aspects of climate change and to rally with others across the nation for the cause of sustainability," said Stephanie Tubman '08, a geology major and co-organizer of Focus the Nation on campus.
"I have a tremendous feeling of unity going into this event," Tubman continued. "We've been planning for almost a full year now, and so it's quite satisfying to finally see our hard work and planning come to life."