Focus the Nation

Focus The Nation is an unprecedented educational initiative on global warming solutions for America occurring at more than 1,000 universities and colleges and in all 50 states culminating in nationwide teach-ins on Jan. 31, 2008. To learn more about Carnegie Mellon's events, go to www.cmu.edu/steinbrenner.
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Climate Change 101 Keynote Address and "2% Solution" Screening
January 30, 2008, 7:30 PM, Doherty Hall 2210

Carnegie Mellon climate research director and professor Granger Morgan introduces the "2% Solution" web cast co-produced by the National Wildlife Federation and aired by the Earth Day Network, kicking off a discussion about global warming solutions for America. Panelists will include celebrity and clean energy advocate Edward Norton; Stanford climate scientist Steve Schneider; Hunter Lovins, CEO of Natural Capitalism; and environmental justice leader Van Jones, executive director of the Ella Baker Center in Oakland, California.

Why the "2% Solution"? To hold global warming to the low end of 3-4 degrees F will require cuts in global warming pollution in the developed countries by more than 80% below current levels by 2050. Put another way, we need to cut roughly 2% a year for the next forty years. The web cast will revolve around the question: Can we as a nation get on to this path? If so, what would it take? Discussion to follow.

Granger Morgan's keynote address begins at 7:30 PM. The 2% Solution screening begins at 8:00 PM. Discussion will commence at 9:00 PM. Refreshments provided.
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Teach-in at Carnegie Mellon
January 31, 2008, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
University Center, see http://www.cmu.edu/steinbrenner for a link to the developing agenda.

Carnegie Mellon will host a day of events focusing the community on solutions to global warming for America, including panel presentations by dozens of faculty and local sustainability leaders. Session topics include, "All Your Climate Science Questions Answered," practical tips for a "Low Carbon" lifestyle, the latest developments in solar technology, what a changing climate will mean for Pennsylvania, and much more. The closing session at 4:30 PM will include statements from Carnegie Mellon students who are at the forefront of the youth climate movement.

Parallel sessions are 80 minutes long with a 10-minute break. Sessions begin at 9:00 AM. The final session begins at 4:30 PM. See http://www.cmu.edu/steinbrenner for a complete agenda.
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Green Democracy Political Forum at the University of Pittsburgh
February 1, 2008, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
David Lawrence Hall, Room 120

The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, La Roche College, Duquesne University, and Chatham University have invited city, county, state, and national civic leaders to engage in a Green Democracy political forum. Student representatives will open the forum with statements about what each campus is doing to address climate change. Civic leaders will then speak about their commitments to combat climate change. Representative Mike Doyle and Councilman Bill Peduto are among the attendees. Questions and comments will be entertained from the audience.

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As the largest teach-in in U.S. history, Focus The Nation is preparing millions of students to become leaders in the largest civilizational challenge any generation has faced. For more information about the national initiative, please visit www.focusthenation.org.