The question of global climate change is not as debatable as it used to be: it’s getting pretty hard to deny that the actions of human beings have not altered our atmosphere and climate forever. Some scientists have even created a new term for the most recent period of Earth’s history- the “Anthropocene”- when the activities of the human race first began to have a significant global impact on climates and ecosystems.
From changing precipitation patterns to more severe storms, global climate change has already begun to take shape. But with all the complexities of this global problem, it is sometimes hard to get a solid grasp on all of it. The University at Buffalo’s UB Green hopes they can help our communities grasp this problem. On Saturday, April 5th, UB Green will be holding a training session for anyone who is interested in giving presentations to community, school, church/temple, and business groups on climate change and what it means for our community.
The training session on April 5th will be on the University at Buffalo’s South Campus (Main St.) from 10 am – 4 pm. The session will be hosted by Nan and Water Simpson who have already begun to educate community groups on global climate change. The Simpson’s were trained in 2007 by Al Gore’s The Climate Project and are looking to share their knowledge with other dedicated individuals. The day of training will include an example presentation from Walter, a panel of local scientists, brainstorming and solution oriented discussions, and workshops on effective and successful presentations. Lunch is provided in the middle of the day, with a very low cost for the entire day’s training of $10 to partially cover lunch, refreshments, and handouts.
UB Green is looking for community members who would like to be trained and are willing to commit to doing at least five presentations in the next six months. While this may sound intimidating, it is actually quite flexible. Presentations can be to small or large groups and they can be done solo or with a partner or team. Presenters can get all of their friends together one night during the week, make it part of a block club meeting, or work with a local school. If only one person becomes educated and informed on the realities of the challenges, threats, and opportunities of global climate change, than the presentation was a success.
Global climate change may have serious consequences for the Great Lakes. Unlike the rising waters of the oceans, many scientists predict that the Great Lakes could drop 5-20 feet. Imagine any of our marinas and piers without 5-20 feet of water below. To find out more about the causes and consequences of global climate change, come to the April 5th Climate Action Presenter Training at UB’s South Campus.
An RSVP or pre-registration is required. Just call UB Green at 829-3535 and let them know you will be coming. Provide your phone number and e-mail address. They will get back to you shortly with the exact location on the UB South Campus where the training will be.
(Great Lakes United, in addition to UB Green, Western New York Climate Action Coalition, WNY Sustainable Energy Association, Wind Action Group, Buffalo’s Green Gold Development Corporation, WNY Peace Center, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Buffalo Audubon Society, UB Engineers for a Sustainable World, UB Environmental Task Force, UB Environmental Network, are co-sponsors of this event)
(Photo: ice volcanoes on Lake Erie, taken Easter Sunday. With climate change, ice cover on the Great Lakes is expected to decrease, resulting in greater winter evaporation.)
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