The threat of global warming — as well as possible solutions — will take center stage on campus during a two-day series of presentations and discussions regarding the health of the environment in the northern Nevada region.

The conference on global warming solutions takes place on Jan. 30 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the University campus.

The topics for the event will focus on the impacts of current and projected climate change on regional ecosystems, along with a presentation on the commitment that the University has made to develop and apply many potential solutions to this environmental crisis. The presentation is being coordinated with “Focus the Nation” a national educational initiative geared toward inspiring solutions to climate change issues.

“With this event, we are recognizing the challenges of climate change that people in Nevada and all over the world will face with an eye toward progress and solutions,” said Kris Hansen, who is organizing Focus the Nation for the University’s Academy for the Environment. The Academy for the Environment, established in 2004, is an interdisciplinary institute whose mission is to develop, enhance and coordinate environmental teaching, research and service at the University of Nevada.

Speakers will include John Sagebiel, director of environmental affairs for the University who will present the official climate commitment that the University has recently endorsed. In addition, John Abatzgolou from the Desert Research Institute and Robert Coats, the founder of Hydroikos, Ltd., will discuss how climate change is affecting Truckee Meadows and Lake Tahoe.

Scott Slovic, an English professor in the University’s literature and environment department, will present research on international climate change discussions and writings. Ellis Jones, who founded a group for environmental activism called The Better-World Network, will facilitate a local discussion on the topic of global warming and will provide the audience with some immediate actions that everyone can take to contribute to environmental health.

A live National computer-cast presentation featuring actor Edward Norton and Stanford scientist Steven Schneider will be aired on Jan. 30. On Jan. 31 there will be a free screening of the movie “Revolution Green: A True Story of Biodiesel in America” in the new Joe Crowley Student Union.

Below is a schedule of events:

Jan. 30 (All events in Joe Crowley Student Union Conference Room 320)

• Noon-1 p.m. - Video conference with Nev. Sen. Harry Reid’s environmental staff.
• 4:30-5 p.m. - The Power of Activism Presentation
• 5-6 p.m. - 2% Solution Live National Video-Presentation

Jan. 31 (All events in William J. Raggio Building Room 1003)

• 9:30-10:45 a.m. - The NSHE Climate Commitment
• 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - Climate Change and Possible Solutions
• 1-2:15 p.m. - Recognized Environmental Impacts of Climate Change

Also on Jan. 31:

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Joe Crowley Student Union

Future Leaders Student Rally at Joe Crowley Student Union, featuring a free showing of “Revolution Green: A True Story of Biodiesel in America.”

Featured Links:

Academy for the Environment