BOZEMAN – A group of Montana State University students and faculty will host their sixth consecutive Climate Week from April 20 to 24, with a series of events focused on climate change and solutions for a warming world.
The event is being organized and hosted by members of the Campus Climate Coalition and others in the MSU community interested in advancing climate literacy and best practices regarding climate mitigation and adaptation.
“The threat of climate change on the MSU campus and Gallatin Valley community is becoming more pronounced by the year,” said Gavin Cloyed, a sophomore majoring in environmental sciences and member of the student group. “Just as the Campus Climate Coalition introduced me to new opportunities, I hope Climate Week can do the same for others. Inspiring students to incorporate sustainability into their lives, majors and eventually careers is a major reason why I’m proud to be involved.”
Natalie Baur, a senior majoring in film and environmental studies, added that she hopes the conversations that take place during Climate Week will be part of the solution to what she calls “one of the biggest challenges my generation will face.”
All events are free and open to the public.
Monday, April 20
The first event, an interdisciplinary discussion between women in the climate movement, will be held at 6 p.m. in Reid Hall, Room 103. “Her Climate, Our Future” will feature speakers Anne Ready, chair of Gallatin Valley Earth Day; Heather White, founder of OneGreenThing; Karin Kirk, geologist and science journalist; and Madison Stevens, MSU assistant professor and environmental social scientist. They will discuss how feminism has influenced climate action and share the challenges they have faced and overcome while leading change.
Tuesday, April 21
MSU faculty and students from the School of Music will present an Earth Day concert at 4 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall featuring Earth-focused music, visuals and poetry reading. The concert also will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/Ml6EEF5HhTI.
After the concert at 6 p.m., a panel discussion “WTF is Happening to Our Snow?” will be held in Norm Asbjornson Hall, Room 165. Panelists will again include Karin Kirk, this time in discussion with Marianne Cowherd, assistant professor in the Department of Earth Sciences. They will discuss the state of the climate, the ski industry and actions everyone can take.
Wednesday, April 22
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Michael P. Malone Centennial Mall north of the Strand Union Building, there will be an exhibition of the latest options in electric vehicles.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., green drinks will be served in the lobby of Norm Asbjornson Hall during a networking event with students, teachers and community partners who care about sustainability.
Thursday, April 23
Retired MSU professor Mark Fiege and the Campus Climate Coalition will lead a nature walk to celebrate sustainability from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Burke Park on Peets Hill. Participants will learn about the tangible impacts of climate change in Bozeman while enjoying fresh air and local scenery.
From 6 to 7:45 p.m. in the Procrastinator Theater, the Campus Climate Coalition will showcase student films about climate and sustainability. Popcorn will be provided.
Friday, April 24
Climate Week activities will conclude with a Campus Clean Up on the Malone Centennial Mall beginning at 2 p.m. The event is hosted by the student Citizens Climate Lobby Club. Gloves will be provided.
“As the risks of the climate crisis become increasingly clear, I’m proud of the leadership our students are showing to organize events that provide learning opportunities on what many scientists consider to be the most consequential issue facing humanity,” said MSU professor of political science Paul Lachapelle, a member of the faculty-led Climate Solutions Group.
