Abstract
This conference will bring influential members of the climate-change debate to UCSB in order to provoke critical thought about the dilemma at hand. This full-day event, featuring 3 panels addressing grassroots, business, and legislative solutions, respectively, comes in the wake of the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event has been organized by students, and was conceived by a group of 23 undergraduates who were inspired to bring change to their campus community after attending the UN summit in December 2009. By integrating grassroots, business, and government efforts, the event will empower the nation's youth to seek a greener future.
Hosts: The Associated Students Environmental Affairs Board, UCSB Environmental Studies Program, the College of Letters & Sciences Critical Issues in America series, the Institute for Energy Efficiency, Campus Progress / Center for American Progress, the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara, the Community Environmental Council, Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Collegiate Panhellenic Council, Office of the External Vice President for Local Affairs, and the Green Campus Program.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Global Climate, Local Change
Panelists:
Dave Davis, CEO & Executive Director, Community Environmental Council
Jason Mark, Author, Building the Green Economy: Success Stories from the Grassroots
Kandi Mosset, Tribal Campus Organizer, Indigenous Environmental Network
Alec Loorz, Founder, Kids vs. Global Warming
Moderator: Natasha Joyce Weidner, Sustainable Foods Chair, Environmental Affairs Board
Panel Description
This panel will demonstrate the power of individuals to tackle climate issues in their communities at the grassroots level. Unique approaches on a local level are a crucial element to achieving a climate solution. The passionate work of average citizens around the United States continues to build even when the government and business fail to act. We invite members of the Santa Barbara community to come learn what is being done now to reduce our climate impact.
12:00 – 1:30 PM Student Film Screening: Navigating Copenhagen
Filmmakers
Students in film
Moderator: Corie Radka, Environmental Affairs Board External Affairs Chair
1:30 – 3:30 PM The Green Economy: Moving Beyond Business as Usual
Panel Sponsor: Institute for Energy Efficiency
Panelists:
Jim Dehlsen, Founder & CEO, ClipperWind
Brent Constantz, CEO, Calera Corp.
John Fielder, President, Southern California Edison
Moderator: David Auston, Associate Director, Institute for Energy Efficiency
Panel Description
This panel will highlight the integral role of business innovation in reconciling society and climate. For global capitalism to function properly in the 21st century, new solutions must take hold that minimize our impact on the environment. Science, technology, and industry are mobilizing to advance a new, green economy. It will take forward-thinking ideas to reshape society, create jobs, and usher in a new era of sustainability.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM The Power of Politics: Legislative Measures that Work
Panelists:
Fran Pavley, California State Senator
Mary Nichols, CA Air Resources Board Chairman
Nancy Sutley, Chair, Whitehouse Council on Environmental Quality (to be confirmed)
Moderator: Robert Wilkinson, Professor, Environmental Studies
Panel Description
This panel will explore legislative solutions to climate change at the international, domestic, and sub-national levels, with particular emphasis on measures that work. Panelists will address the audience with a focus on solutions, and will speak to the potential of youth and activists to effect change in the policy arena.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Reception