Our Planet our Problem

OUR PLANET, OUR PROBLEM: APPROACHES TO A CLIMATE SOLUTION FRIDAY, APRIL 9TH, 2010 CORWIN PAVILION, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA

This conference will bring influential members in the climate change arena to UCSB in order to provoke critical thought about the dilemma at hand. This full day event, featuring three 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 of 2009. By integrating grassroots, business, and government efforts, the event will empower the nation's youth to seek a greener future.

THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Sponsored by 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

10:00AM - 12:00PM
Global Climate, Local Change
Corwin Pavilion

Presenter/Speaker Info
Dave Davis, CEO & Executive Director, Community Environmental Council
Jason Mark, Author, Building the Green Economy: Success Stories from the Grassroots; Director, Alemany Farm
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.

Refreshments served

12:00 - 1:30 PM
Student Film Screening: Navigating Copenhagen
Corwin Pavilion

Movie Description: 23 UCSB students attended the 2009 United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. This film catalogues their experiences and perspectives on the international deliberations as well as the grassroots activism outside of the official conference.

Presenter/Speaker Info
Filmmakers
Students from UCSB Copenhagen delegation
Moderator: Corie Radka, External Affairs Chair, Environmental Affairs Board

1:30 - 3:30 PM
The Green Economy: Moving Beyond Business as Usual
Corwin Pavilion

Presenter/Speaker Info
Jim Dehlsen, Founder & Chairman, Clipper Windpower
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
Corwin Pavilion

Presenter/Speaker Info
Fran Pavley, California State Senator
Mary Nichols, CA Air Resources Board Chairman
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 in the MultiCultural Center