'Focus the Nation' will address global warming crisis
By: Guest Commentary
Posted: 1/31/08
Today the campus of the University of Oregon will serve as a reflection
of the changing political discussion, occurring across the nation. Jan.
31 marks the culmination of a year-long national campaign to reveal the
importance of Global Climate Change in the modern world. "Focus the
Nation," as the proponents of this campaign refer to it, is an attempt
by University organizations, clubs and leaders to emphasize the
importance of individual action in reducing the harmful wastes of
American society.
The day will start with the Eugene-Springfield Climate Summit. With
opening remarks from University President Dave Frohnmayer, the summit
will seek to explore the trends, developments and areas for improvement
in the Springfield/Eugene area. Representatives from local government
institutions, education districts and utility agencies will illustrate
our current progress toward a more sustainable community. At
approximately 10 a.m., a 15 minute "Campus Carbon Silence" exercise
will be held. During this time, all University members are asked to
observe a 15 minute period of minimal carbon emission. As a result,
students and staff have been asked to turn off their home appliances,
refrain from driving their automobiles, and simply enjoy the time with
friends in an eco-friendly way! Simply put, Focus the Nation embodies
the principles of change through individual initiative. Therefore, the
sociology 304 class of professor Rebecca Clausen will host a rally in
the EMU Amphitheater at noon. Clausen's sociology class has organized a
demonstration to educate the student population about the dangers of
global warming.
In conjunction with this call for change, a series of lectures will be
taking place throughout the day in the Walnut and Maple Rooms of the
EMU. Every hour, on the hour, a different guest lecturer will discuss
various aspects of the global warming crisis. Topics will range from
environmental injustice to international efforts to reduce global
warming effects. The lecture series will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude
at 5 p.m. The evening will conclude with the Land County Energy
Round-Up, taking place in 150 Columbia. The event is scheduled to start
at 7 p.m. and will feature a variety of speakers and experts from local
activist organizations, the Oregon Department of Energy and the Land
County Commissioner's office. Campus members in attendance will learn
how they can help Oregon "bridge the gap" to the 21st century.
Several student groups will also host a Sustainable Living Fair in the
Lobby of the EMU, lasting from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The University of
Oregon Campus Recycling Program has worked in conjunction with the ASUO
Survival Center, OSPIRG , CASL and the Cascade Climate Network to
provide a six hour-long community fair, featuring approximately 20
stations for improvement. Each station will address a certain aspect of
consumer life, with focuses ranging from transportation to energy use.
Furthermore, participants of the Sustainable Living Fair will receive a
"global warming self-help" package composed of a CFL light bulb,
reusable water bottle, reusable chico bag, food donations from Café Mam
and a variety of information to take home! So, I encourage every member
of the University community to attend Focus the Nation. Be a part of
the growing movement toward Sustainable Living practices. Each and
every one of us will be able to reduce our "environmental footprint"
and take a step toward real change!
Nicholas Schultz is a student at the University
© Copyright 2008 Oregon Daily Emerald
