Panel Discussions
Teach-In Theme: "Stabilizing the Climate in the 21st Century: Mobilizing Students for Effective Campus, Local, State, National and Global Action"
University of Maryland Faculty members will lead panel discussions during Focus The Nation.
12:30-1:30 ~ Panel 1: Ecological Sustainability
Campus Actions:
- Develop and implement relevant climate-neutral and
environmental programs and practices on the campus (Scott Lupin, Office
of Sustainability)
Local & State Actions:
- Reduce climate change's impact on the Chesapeake Bay
- Reduce Maryland's emissions
- Protect key rivers and watershed areas (Fred
Tutman, Patuxent Riverkeeper)
National Actions:
- Develop Emission Caps (Dr. Dan
Kirk-Davidoff, Atmospheric & Oceanic
Sciences)
- Protect critical natural resources and ecosystems (coastal management)
Global Actions:
- Strengthen monitoring systems for global carbon cycle
and climate change (Dr. Ross Salawitch, Atmospheric & Oceanic
Science & Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center)
- Protect major tropical and temperate zone forests
- Address health and disease impacts of global climate change
Panel 2: Economic Sustainability
Campus Actions:
- Reduce campus energy use through conservation and
efficiency measures (Joan Kowal, Energy Manager, Facilities Management)
- Enhance campus investments in carbon neutral and reducing technologies and facilities
Local & State Actions:
- Develop sustainable agricultural and food production practices
- Promote renewable energy standards and conservation measures
- Reduce Maryland’s emissions (Renee
Fizer, Chief of Climate Change Division, Maryland Department of Environment)
National Actions:
- Address U.S. economic impacts of climate change
- Develop sound national energy policy
- Understand human choices and climate policy options
(Dr. Elizabeth Malone, Joint Global Change Research Institute)
Global Actions:
- Develop new global technologies for producing and
using energy that address climate change (Dr.
James Edmonds,
Joint Global Change Research Institute)
- Develop carbon tax and trading systems
- Develop financing mechanisms for transfer of carbon neutral technologies to the developing world
Panel 3: Political Sustainability
Campus Actions:
- Strengthen campus
efforts to meet climate targets (e.g., indicators and progress) (Kim Ross, Center for Integrative Environmental Research)
Local & State Actions:
- Promote action by cities to tackle climate change
- Support state legislative initiatives on climate change
National Actions:
- Develop national legislation to curb carbon emissions
(Tim Greeff, League of Conservation Voters)
Global Actions:
- Strengthening the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012 (Dr.
Jim Riker, Beyond the Classroom)
- Global water supplies and U.S. foreign policy
Panel 4: Priorities for Citizen Action
Campus Actions:
- Campus Climate Action Plan at the University of Maryland (John Farley, Assistant Vice President for Administrative Affairs)
Local & State Actions:
- Maryland Commission on Climate Change (Lise
Van Susteren, M.D. civic leader and
member of the Commission)
National Actions:
- National Campaigns for Action on Climate Change (Mike
Tidwell, Chesapeake Climate Action Network)
Global Actions:
- Global Agreement Processes (Jana
Gastellum, Energy Future Coalition and the United Nations Foundation)
Check back soon for updates!