Our Ecological Footprint

Earth Day: Our Ecological Footprint

University of Wisconsin- Whitewater April 20, 2007 THE CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE:

“Our Ecological Footprint” is the theme of our Earth Day celebration, but it is also an important ecological concept, referring to the substantial environmental impact— the footprint--that we all have on this planet, especially those of us who live in the United States, since we lead the world in consumption. The goals of the conference are to inspire environmental awareness and to highlight possible solutions to environmental challenges, both locally and globally. The event is free and is open to anyone who is concerned and curious about environmental issues.

SCHEDULE:

9:00: 9:20 Welcome by Provost Richard Telfer; Awarding of the Student Essay Contest prize(s) Light Recital Hall/Center of the Arts

9:30-10:20 Dr. David Travis: “Global Warming or Global Warning?: Evidence, Threats, and Impacts of Rapid Climate Change”

Climatologist David Travis’ research on the impact of jet contrails on the Earth’s climate has received worldwide attention. His research, done following September 11, 2001, when commercial flights were grounded for three days, found that temperatures were affected by this event. His findings were highlighted on the NOVA special “Dimming of the Sun.” Light Recital Hall/Center of the Arts

10:30-11:20 Sherry Boschert: “Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that will Recharge America”

Boschert is a medical news reporter based in San Francisco, who has become a leading spokesperson for plug-in hybrids, especially as a way to reduce our carbon footprint. She is the author of Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that will Recharge America. According to Boschert, a “perfect storm” of forces is bringing plug-in hybrids to market now. Advances in technology, concern about global warming, and heightened American vulnerability to oil-producing nations are pushing automakers toward plug-ins. Light Recital Hall/Center of the Arts 11:20-1:00 Lunch During the lunch hour, there will be alternative energy vehicles on display in the parking lot of the Center of the Arts, as well as discussions about the current and projected technologies of these vehicles. There will also be tree planting of a native species sponsored by Tri Beta, the Biology Honors Society. The lunch hour is intentionally long in order to give participants a chance to eat and still have time to take part in the lunch-time events.

1:00-1:50 Concurrent Sessions featuring eminent panelists from the campus, the community and elsewhere.

*Campus Sustainability, Center of the Arts, Room 1 *The Greening of Religion, Center of the Arts, Room 11 *Ecologically Responsible Shopping, Kachel Center *Green architecture, Center of the Arts, Room 3 *Greening Our Community, Light Recital Hall

2:00-2:50 Dr. John Warner: “Green Chemistry: Necessary Steps for a Sustainable Future”

John Warner is the chemist most strongly associated with green chemistry. At the University of Massachusetts Lowell, he started the world's first Green Chemistry PhD program and he now directs a large research group investigating a diverse set of projects involving green chemistry. His work combines aspects of community outreach, government policy and industrial collaboration. Professor Warner is co-author of the book Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice and serves on the Board of Directors of the Green Chemistry Institute in Washington. Light Recital Hall

Note: There will be an informal reception at the end of the day in the lobby of the Centre of the Arts, intended as a forum to discuss the Earth Day events as well as to brainstorm for a more enlightened ecological future.

General Information

Student Essay Contest Write an original essay (suggested length 750-1000 words) on ways that Wisconsin communities can reduce their ecological footprint. The judging will be based on the writer’s grasp of the material, freshness of insight, and overall writing skill.

Students who choose to enter the essay contest should mail their manuscript to: Earth Day: Our Ecological Footprint Continuing Education Services UW-Whitewater, Roseman 2005 800 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190 OR: email an a WORD file of their essay to [email protected]

The deadline for receipt of essays is April 13. The winner(s) will receive a cash award.

T-Shirts A t-shirt has been designed especially for this conference. These shirts may be purchased on the day of the conference.

Lunch Students may eat at any of a number of spots on campus, including the Center of the Arts; lunch is at the expense of individual students. Teachers and presenters are invited to a hosted (by the Chancellor’s office) luncheon at the Fern Young Terrace in the Greenhill Center of the Arts. Please indicate if you will join us for lunch when you RSVP.

Parking A highlighted campus map and one parking permit will be furnished with the confirmation letter. Additional parking permits can be purchased for $1.00 each.

Acknowledgements Thanks to many people, departments, and organizations for their contributions to this Earth Day event: Chancellor Martha Saunders, Provost Richard Telfer, College of Letters and Sciences, Dean Mary Pinkerton, BBB Biology Honors Society (special thanks to organizing committee member Nicole Frey), Office of Continuing Education (especially Lou Zahn), Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics, Department of Geography and Geology, Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Languages and Literatures, Campus Greens, and the many presenters.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Continuing Education Services or George Savage or Jeff McKinnon 205 Roseman Building Department of Languages Department of Whitewater, WI 53190 and Literatures Biological Sciences 414/472-3165 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

RSVP FORM

Please RSVP by April 14, 2007.

Name ______School______Home Address______City ______State______Zip ______Day Phone (____)______E-mail______

______# of students ______# of teachers (luncheon included)

Please forward this form to: Earth Day, UW-Whitewater, Continuing Education Services Roseman Building Room 2005, 800 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 Or email: [email protected] Phone: 262-472-3165 or Fax: 472-5241