Climate Change Symposium

Thank you to everyone who helped make the NOVA Climate Change teach-in events such a resounding success!
Check out photos here.

How worried should we be? How sound is the science? What changes is the planet already “committed to”? How much has Earth's climate changed in the past? What can we expect? What can we do?

As you may have heard in the news, 2007 was the second warmest year on record, and the eight warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998. Global warming is one of the great challenges that humanity will face in the coming centuries. For three days, events on NOVA campuses will explore human-caused climate change and what it means for our society. These events are part of the larger national day of learning about Climate Change called "Focus The Nation." Experts from our faculty and from area universities, government, media, and NGOs will be on hand to answer your questions about climate change.

Start off by joining the Annandale campus' RPK Society for a live webcast of "The 2% Solution" on Wednesday night. On Thursday, the Alexandria, Loudoun, Manassas, Medical Education, and Woodbridge campuses will be hosting individual events. Return to Annandale on Friday afternoon for the big event: a series of short talks by experts on different aspects of climate change, followed by a roundtable discussion emphasizing audience questions.

Join us to explore the largest challenge of the coming years. We’re still planning these events, and more details to come on this website as the agenda solidifies. Check back frequently to get the latest information.

Alexandria

Thursday, January 31, 1pm-2:30pm

“Coal, Climate Change and Virginia: What Are the Connections?” Bisdorf Building, room 158.
The event will feature a global overview of energy use and its impact on climate change presented by Dr. Victor Zabielski, Assistant Professor of Geology at the Alexandria campus; and an update on current and proposed coal-fired plants in the Commonwealth of Virginia presented by Hannah Morgan, Virginia field organizer for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

Annandale

Wednesday, January 30 , 7:30pm

"The 2% Solution" webcast - CT Building, room 122
Free food and a viewing of this live, interactive webcast. Join Stanford University climate scientist, Stephen Schneider, sustainability expert Hunter Lovins and green jobs pioneer Van Jones and youth climate leaders, for a discussion of global warming solutions. Audiences can weigh in with cell phone voting. Our goal is 10,000 screenings—and a change in the course of history. The event is free and open to the public.

Hosted by the RPK Society
Friday, February 1, 12pm-3pm

Climate change Symposium - Ernst Community Cultural Center Theater
Parking restrictions have been waived from 11am until 4pm. The event is free and open to the public. Please invite anyone who would prefer to live on a planet with a stable climate.

Cookie reception to follow | Hosted by the Green Committee | Directions | Program Handout | Photos
Topic Speaker
A biologist's perspective & call to action Jill Caporale, Assistant Professor of Biology at NOVA Annandale
Looking Backwards Into Our Future: A Unique Role for the Geological Archive Ken Rasmussen, Professor of Geology at NOVA Annandale
Meltdown: how an invisible gas is changing our world Callan Bentley, Instructor of Geology at NOVA Annandale
Human health implications of climate change Daria Amato, Assistant Professor of Nursing at NOVA Medical Education
The nuclear option Craig Jensen, Professor of Physics at NOVA Annandale
The potential of solar power Scott Sklar, President of the Stella Group, Ltd.
What can you do? Paul Burman, Northern Virginia Coordinator for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Policies for climate change Steve Fetter, Professor and Dean of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park
Panel discussion All speakers + audience questions

 

Loudoun

Thursday, January 31, 12:30pm-4:30pm

Climate change symposium and panel discussion, featuring:

"The geologic record of climate change." (emphasis on the past 2 million years) Bill Bour, Assistant Professor of Geology, NOVA Loudoun.

Link to PPTs of all presenters' talks

Manassas

Thursday, January 31, 11am

Colgan Theater (MC Building, room 226)

Introductory remarks. Ray Bailey, Professor of History at NOVA Manassas

"The business and moral case for stepping up climate leadership on campuses: and how graduates will benefit." Julian Keniry, Senior Director of Campus and Community Leadership, National Wildlife Foundation

Photos
Thursday, January 31, 2:30pm

Colgan Theater (MC Building, room 226)

"A geologist's perspective on climate change." Callan Bentley, Instructor of Geology at NOVA Annandale
Photos

All week

Climate change resource display, Manassas branch of the NOVA library

Medical Education

Thursday, January 31, 12:30pm-4:30pm

Climate change symposium and panel discussion, featuring:

"The geologic record of climate change." (emphasis on the past 2 million years) Bill Bour, Assistant Professor of Geology, NOVA Loudoun.

Link to PPTs of all presenters' talks

Woodbridge

Thursday, January 31, 12:30pm-4:30pm

Climate change symposium and panel discussion, featuring:

"The geologic record of climate change." (emphasis on the past 2 million years) Bill Bour, Assistant Professor of Geology, NOVA Loudoun.

Link to PPTs of all presenters' talks

If you want to participate or want more information, contact your campus organizer:

Alexandria
Denny May
Annandale
Callan Bentley
Loudoun
Bill Bour
Manassas
Ray Bailey
Medical Education
Ruth Stanton
 
Woodbridge
Student organizers:
Sabih Usamani, Angela Shaffer, &
Jeff Godfrey
Faculty contact:
Darling Villena-Mata