To combat global warming through awareness and action, Colgate will participate in the National Teach-In on Thursday.
Faculty and students will engage in a series of panel discussions, presentations, and workshops covering everything from scientific developments for mitigation to social implications of climate change.
Building off the success of last year's Focus the Nation, the National Teach-In also will be part of a network of events occurring at thousands of colleges, universities, high schools, middle schools, faith groups, civic organizations, and businesses all over the country.
The more than one million Americans participating in this environmental conversation hope to be involved in a solutions-driven dialogue with the new administration.
"As a university, it is important that we show our concern and involvement in implementing solutions to one of the most important issues we face today," said Katelyn Ciolino '10, a student organizer.
Ciolino, along with Mitri Wohns '09 and Christov Churchward '10, will give a presentation titled "Opportunities for student involvement and political action" at 4:15 p.m. in 209 Lathhrop Hall. Ciolino will also participate in Democracy Matter's workshop for campaign finance reform at 2:45 p.m. in the COOP Conference Room.
In order to encourage an intergenerational dialogue and spur immediate action regarding climate change, there will be a wide range of topics covered throughout the day at locations across campus.
Professors from the economics, environmental studies, and other departments will lead discussions on topics such as "Colgate: Where do we stand? What should we do?" and energy possibilities.
Lindsey Jacobson '10, another student organizer, believes that the National Teach-In is the perfect opportunity for students to take action.
"Environmentalism is a big topic on campus and people want to help, but they don't always know how," said Jacobson. "This will give them an outlet to become involved."
Ciolino sees success post-Thursday's events not only at Colgate, but on a national scale.
"I would like to see the on-campus dialogue shift to the ways we can work as a community to implement solutions," she said. "And there are over a million people participating in National Teach-in events; I hope this sends a strong message of support to the new administration."
The National Teach-In is a part of the 13 Days of Green, a series of environmental events, leading up to the eighth annual Green Summit on Friday, Feb. 13.