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