SF State News {University Communications}

Image: Photos of SF State students and scenes from around campus

University unveils Web redesign

February 8, 2008 -- SF State today rolled out a new Web design template that will provide a visually appealing and unifying design for the University's colleges and departments.

Campus preps for national teach-in

January 24, 2008 -- Climate scientists, environmentalists, green business experts and social justice activists will convene in Jack Adams Hall on Jan. 30-31 for the Focus the Nation teach-in on climate change. The event, held simultaneously on more than 1,000 college campuses nationwide, will feature keynote speakers, panels, and activities designed to educate the next generation of leaders about global warming and identify the most pressing decisions for the next 10 years.

Douglas Johnson and Kevin Deniz, members of ECO Students, promote Focus the Nation with free energy-efficient light bulbs.

Douglas Johnson and Kevin Deniz, members of ECO Students, promote Focus the Nation with free energy-efficient light bulbs.

The teach-in aims to bring citizens together with government leaders to discuss solutions to global warming. "We're trying to educate people that climate change requires collective decisions, and that we need all levels of government to address this issue," said Carlos Davidson, assistant professor of environmental studies and one of the event organizers.

The teach-in will also examine social justice aspects of the issue: on finding equitable solutions for the people and communities most affected by climate change. "The responsibilities for the problems caused by global warming are not equal, the solutions are not equal, and the costs are not equal," said Glenn Fieldman, assistant professor of environmental studies and chair of the teach-in's organizing committee. "Poor people in poor countries and poor people in wealthy countries will be most affected."

Michael Glanz of the National Center for Atmospheric Research will be among the nationally-known experts joining SF State faculty in panel discussions.

Urban environmentalist Van Jones, founder of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and a proponent of green collar jobs, will deliver the keynote address on the SF State campus Wednesday night. His talk will be webcast live to more than 1,000 college campuses across the country.

Faculty from the Ethnic Studies Department will present a panel on how climate change affects the native peoples in the Arctic and South Pacific, featuring Dennis Martinez of the Indigenous Peoples Restoration Network. Kevin Washington, assistant professor of Africana studies, will look at how natural disasters of the magnitude Hurricane Katrina will affect the poorest communities.

San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi will participate in a policymakers panel, along with Wade Crowfoot, San Francisco's newly appointed director for climate protection initiatives, and a representative from state assemblywoman Fiona Ma's office.

Attendees will be able to learn about solutions taking place in California, in the business community and on the SF State Campus; calculate their personal carbon footprints; and see how their lifestyle choices directly affect the environment.

Students and faculty have been planning SF State's teach-in for nearly one year and began promoting the event on campus last October by distributing free energy-efficient light bulbs. SF State students also designed the official posters and T-shirt for the nationwide event. See "Students' designs take national spotlight."

Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes to the teach-in. For the complete schedule of events, see the Focus the Nation Schedule or call ext. 5-0326 for more information (PDF requires Adobe Reader).

-- Barbara Hanscome

-- Michael Bruntz

 

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