We are constantly bombarded with media hype, information about trendy causes to support, or alarmist messages. How do we begin to sort out what is really important and separate fact from fiction?
I know that the climate change (global warming) messages in the media can sound a bit like “Chicken Little” and the fable about the sky falling. However, as a scientist who has worked in areas closely connected to greenhouse gases and climate change for over twenty years, I truly believe that this is something all of us should be learning about and considering how to modify our behaviors to make real change. And for the skeptics in the audience, consider Pascal’s wager. (Is it riskier to error on the side of belief or disbelief?)
To this end, we invite you to participate in an upcoming important event entitled Focus the Nation – a national Teach-In event to educate participants about the issues surrounding global warming and to help decide what type of future we should have.
Moravian College joins almost 1500 other institutions around the country in this project.
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Collier Hall of Science
Demonstrations related to the science of global warming.
- 8:00 p.m.
Dana Lecture Hall, Collier
The “2% Solution” national interactive webcast
Join Stanford University climate scientist, Stephen Schneider, sustainability expert Hunter Lovins and green jobs pioneer Van Jones and youth climate leaders, for a discussion of global warming solutions. Audiences can weigh in with cell phone voting. See the types of choices you can vote on @ http://www.focusthenation.org/chooseyourfuture.php
What is the 2% about anyway? From the project website:
“To hold global warming to the low end of 3-4 degrees F will require cuts in global warming pollution in the developed countries by more than 80% below current levels by 2050. Put another way, we need to cut roughly 2% of current emission levels a year for the next forty years. The webcast will revolve around the question: can we as a nation get on to this path, and cut global warming pollution 2% a year for the next decade? If so, what would it take?” http://www.focusthenation.org/about.php
Immediately following the webcast – faculty who are involved in climate change work and education will be available to answer questions.
:
- Throughout the day:
Course-based dialogs
We are asking faculty to include activities and discussions related to climate change in their courses. Students – ask what your professors are doing to contribute to the national teach-in.
- 4:00 p.m.
Prosser Auditorium, the Hub
Panel discussion
The Mayor of Bethlehem and regional experts will talk about what can be done locally to make a difference.
For more information please contact Diane Husic, Hilde Binford or Chiu Cheng.
