I’m looking forward to some lively local discussion at energy and global climate instability events the next two evenings. Carleton College will be one of thousands of nationwide hosts of the Focus the Nation 2 Percent Solution webinar
this evening from 7 to 9 p.m.. The public is invited to attend the event in 141 Olin Hall. Stanford University climate scientist, Stephen Schneider, sustainability expert Hunter Lovins, green jobs pioneer Van Jones and youth climate leaders will take part in an interactive discussion of global warming solutions. The webcast will be followed by an informal discussion in the hall.
The title of the event refers to the science-based consensus that has emerged in recent years that an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be required by mid-century (roughly two percent per year) to stabilize the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases at less-than-catastrophic levels.
This educational opportunity is followed by another golden opportunity, the House District 25B Energy Summit on Thursday evening, January 31, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., in St. Olaf’s Valhalla Room (Buntrock Commons) to talk with legislators Rep. David Bly and Rep. Bill Hilty (Chair of the Minnesota House Energy Policy and Finance Division), Assistant Director of the Minnesota Office of Energy Security Mike Bull, and members of the Northfield Energy Task Force. The purpose of this event will be to discuss and share ideas about the energy challenges and opportunities facing local governments given the groundbreaking energy policy of the Minnesota legislature in 2007.
I serve on the Northfield Energy Task Force, and I think I speak for the entire body in saying that I hope we have a large, diverse group of attendees with whom we can share our insights and findings, and from whom we can get ideas and feedback. Please join us for this important discussion!
If you really want to immerse yourself in these issues, check out Carleton’s day-long Focus the Nation schedule of events for Thursday the 31st. I’m a member of a panel discussion at 3 p.m. on “Global Warming and Minnesota” along with Arb Director Nancy Braker and Professor Mark McKone.