Quotes

"This Focus the Nation initiative is an opportunity for the community to come together to learn more about global warming. Bringing diverse perspectives and viewpoints allow for critical thinking and problem solving skills, which can benefit out local and global community. These discussion sessions highlight the mission of the Sustainability Task Force to encourage our community in learning, living and working sustainably"

-        Debbie Holbrook, Information Resources and Library Services Coordinator, Coconino Community College, Arizona

 

"Global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions is the uber-ubiquitous issue of our times. It influences and is influenced by business practices, technological choices, our philosophical relationship to the planet and personal habits. Our management of this single issue, more than any other, will define the quality of life for our descendants. Participation in Focus the Nation's Teach-in is one of the many steps that the university will take in the coming year to address this issue."

-        Nick Brown, Executive Assistant for Sustainability, University of Arkansas, Arkansas

 

"We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative. This is education at its finest. It represents the enormous power that youth have when they use their education to create positive change in the world"

-        Leo Chavez, Superintendent and President, Sierra College, California

 

"Focus the Nation is about a generational reckoning. It's between the people who will face the effects 30 or 40 years down the line and the people in power right now who will never have to. But it's not a doom-and-gloom thing here; this is a call to action." ... "If we only have eight years, that puts incredible pressure on this election."

-        Mark Stemen, Professor, Chico State University, California

 

"It's important for young people to hold our political leaders accountable and to get a clear picture on where they stand on climate issues, and turning our efforts to clean-energy policies is easy to get young people excited about, because it's our future, and it's real action."

-        Ivaly Sanford, Student, Chico State University, California

 

"We're in global climate change now. The time for talk has finished and it's time to start taking action - you guys do that in the voting booths."

-        Dr. John Dorsey, Professor of Natural Science, Loyola Marymount University, California

 

"This energy crisis is not like your grandmother or grandfather's, or your father or mother's energy crisis. Hopefully, events like this will give politicians the backing and the courage to make a new energy and climate policy part of the agenda."

-        Dan Kammen, Director, Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, UC Berkeley, California

 

"Where to begin? Bringing this event, this movement, together has been an experience for all of us organizers here at Humboldt that we will hold colse always and grow from continually. This organizing process has been different than any other we as individuals have been involved with. The scope of this issue is unprecedented, and the fact that ALL of us are part of the problem as well as the solutions makes it an evolutionary project for all involved: organizers, panelists, and student & community participants alike.”

-        Lisa Wood, Alumna, Humboldt State University, California

 

"Our students are the creative and driving force behind many campus sustainability initiatives. Their hard work and enthusiasm continues to alter campus culture, policy and operations in a 'green' way. Without them, we would not be able to achieve our campus sustainability goals."

-        Wendell Brase, Vice Chancellor of Administrative and Business Services, UC Irvine, California

 

"I just got an email today from a student that said in all her 4 years here at CSUMB it was the first time she had that 'real University' feeling, which I think we can all take as a real compliment."

-        Mary Berube, CSU Monterey Bay, California

 

"Many students are interested in climate change but they don't have the time to learn about it because they are not in an environmental major. Focus the Nation is for students from all majors to find out more about solutions."

-        Kevin Dickinson, Student and FTN outreach coordinator, UC Davis, California

 

"This was a wonderful event that was well received with a lot of positive comments. It was an excellent way to start off our Greening campaign here at UCSF. We are looking forward to next year!"

-        Lisa Hartmeyer, nursing student, UC San Francisco, California

 

"I must say that in the 25 years I have been at CalPoly, this was the most impressive, relevant, important, professional, and well coordinated student run event I have ever seen on our campus."

-        Dennis K. Elliot, Manager of Engineering and Utilities, Cal Poly, California

 

"Global warming is 'environmental' in quotes, but it's important to every person on this planet, especially students. The consequences are being felt now, and they'll be felt even more later on. This is very much a young person's issue."

-        Glenn Fieldman, Professor of Environmental Studies, San Francisco State University, California

 

"So many young people are so apathetic these days. Apathy is going to get us nowhere. It's up to our generation to make a difference. Global warming is happening now and it is up to us to change that."

-        Emily Schosid, Student, CU Boulder, Colorado

 

"While it's good to focus on renewable energy, it's even better because there is an economic benefit. Why can Colorado do this so well? We are a windy state. We are a sunny state. We have gas, oil, and clean coal production. We are situated differently than other states because we have intellectual, research collaborators such as CU-Boulder, Colorado State University, and the Colorado School of Mines. An environmentally conscious Colorado needs the innovation and creativity that comes off of research campuses like CU-Boulder."

-        Governor Bill Ritter, Colorado

 

"It was experiential and personal. People ended up inspired and ready to move forward with enthusiasm on climate change issues. At the end of a long day of events it could be easy to be depressed or at least tired, but this evening workshop worked at a deep level to find heart and inspiration."

-        Anne parker, Professor, Naropa University, Colorado

 

"It's vitally important that Americans find their voice. Great movements don't start in Washington or Hartford, they start principally in our heart... If we don't take action now, it forestalls us in making any kind of change in the future. I err on the side of the scientists who say act now."

-        Congressman John Larson, Connecticut

 

"Ours is the generation that has to make the difference"

-        Catie Schmidt, ninth grader, Greenwich Country Day School, Connecticut

 

"I worried that we might have dead silence and never be able to sustain discussion for 35 minutes. WRONG--we had to cut it off, with students continuing the discussion in the hall. ... We are a tiny snowball rolling downhill."

-        Paula Philbrick, Professor of Biology, UConn, Connecticut

 

"The first step toward solving a problem is admitting there is one. We challenge you to be part of the solution."

-        Danielle Lanslots, student, UConn-Stamford, Connecticut

 

"With the world's largest economy here in America, we have the most to lose by not getting on this and creating this green economy. We also have the most to gain by doing this, through tremendous opportunities for new jobs"

-        State Representative Jim O’Rourke, Connecticut

 

"What it comes down to is conversations happening in the classroom and conversations in the dining hall. That was the real goal, to get people thinking and talking about (global climate change). The real measure of today's success will be whether these conversations carry on throughout the week and the rest of the semester"

-        Julien Burns, student, Wesleyan University, Connecticut

 

"I think one of the important things is that the universities should consider themselves a resource of the community at large. it's not just a matter of hot weather; it's a matter of changing a lot of ways we interact with ourselves and our environment.  We're going to have to adapt to the change in the climate. We cannot ignore it."

-        Dr. Mitch Wagener, Associate Professor, Western Connecticut State University, Connecticut

 

"This is not a (political) party thing, folks. It may be discussed in the world of politics, but here's the really cool thing about the environment. Everything that happens to me will happen to you whether you support one party or the other."

-        Nancy Chamberlain, Assistant Dean of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies, Northern Virginia Community College

 

"It is possible that Gallaudet will be the only FTN site that has all of its presentations in ASl. We are working hard to include the deaf community in the area."

-        Earl Terry, student, Gallaudet University

 

"It just shows how much we have to do...to educate people and take solid, concrete steps to combat global warming. This is a non-partisan issue. This is an issue for people in this country and around the world. We can look into our own infrastructure and by demonstration, show people that these things can work."

-        Mayor Chris Koos, Normal, Illinois

 

"Today demonstrated that we want solutions to this problem. We can and will solve climate change."

-        Carissa Buckholz, President of Students for a Sustainable Campus, Ball State University

 

"As an institute of higher education, I think it's important just because this is our future and our students. This is the future they're going to inherit, they need to be armed with all of the information and with the beginning skills to really jump in and make a difference as responsible citizens. I think we owe that to our students."

-        Tammy Tintjer, Assistant Professor, St. Mary of the Woods

 

"I really believe that the United States government needs to take the leading role in this. There's going to be no global agreement if the United States is not on board, I mean it's that simple."

-        DJ Wasmer, Professor, St. Mary of the Woods

 

"On the national level, we've had a president that hasn't acknowledged this problem. If we don't solve this problem, I don't think it matters what other problems we have... We have a nation and world economy based on polluting. It's a tremendous conundrum that we've got. A lot of our progress is connected to polluting."

-        Congressman Ben Chandler, Kentucky

 

"By approaching the issue of global warming from an interdisciplinary lens, we were able to bring together individuals from very diverse backgrounds to discuss this important issue."

-        Ellen Faszewski, Wheelock College

 

"The Global Warming Teach-In is a great opportunity for Babson College to educate its students on the impacts of climate change and the potential entrepreneurial opportunities that are available in 'green' business. This event further shows the commitment of Babson College to take a leading role in global responsibility."

-        Dr. Vikki Rodgers, Professor of Ecology, Math and Science, Babson College

 

"It sparks discussion outside of class; that's what matters. You want them to understand that these things have implications beyond the grades they get."

-        Ron Wooley, Social Studies Teacher, Hingham high School, Massachusetts

 

"Students do care. It's our issue, but you have to keep it fresh. We want to show you can do something and it doesn't take a whole lot."

-        Michael Page, student, Hingham High School, Massachusetts

 

"We're at the point right now, where most of the Legislature accept the basic premise of climate change, but that has not always been true. We're now at a point where the issue is more pressing than it used to be. We could have started working ont his years ago."

-        State Senator Maggie Hassan, Massachusetts

 

"The idea is that if you start a surge of attention to climate change, then hopefully people will be thinking about that when they're electing their officials"

-        Tina Woolston, Project Coordinator, Tufts Office of Sustainability

 

"I have been overwhelmed with the support of the faculty and students here at Wheaton. So many people are already aware of the problem, and want to do something so they can be a part of the solution. I hope that Focus the nation will be the beginning of an open dialog between everyone on campus about what we can do to lessen our impact on the problem, and maybe even start to find ways to really be a part of the solution."

-        Claire Anderson, student, Wheaton College, Massachusetts

 

"Building a clean energy economy and a climate positive world is so much more than an environmental issue. At Williams, and everywhere, people from all backgrounds, beliefs and skills have the opportunity to share their vision for a positive future. Williams College's Focus the Nation events, combined with similar ones across the country, should help more people see the potential to become part of a brighter future."

-        Morgan Goodwin, student, Williams College

 

"This was a great opportunity to connect with other schools...the 'we're not alone' thing!"

-        Jennifer Niese, Kennebunk High School, Maine

 

"I'm looking forward to taking the lessons learned this year and making next year's event even better. I'm ready!"

-        Christine Caprio, Alternative Education Coordinator, York High School, Maine

 

"This was a great idea, and I really believe it helped raise awareness in a region of Maryland that is not progressive towards the environment. We live in coal country, and many in this area view environmentalists as dangerous to the economy and livelihood of man. Nonetheless, I believe we opened some eyes on January 31st."

-        Monika Urbanski, Program Management Specialist, Frostburg State University, Maryland

 

"I'm a historian, and really enjoyed the sense of making history--and our students did too."

-        Jim Farrell, Professor of History, St. Olaf College

 

"I've learned so much. I didn't realize how much grass-roots organizing there was on the college level across the nation."

-        Amanda Varley, student, Gustavus Adolphus College, Minnesota

 

"Those of us who wear suits every day have to take action."

-        Mayor R.T. Ryback, Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

"It's awesome to have so many faculty members opening these classes to the public. Global Warming is a serious issue for everyone, and the more people can learn about it, the better it will be for everyone."

-        Lisa Anderson, Student, Albion College, Michigan

 

"Well, we learned that you can't get people to talk about Nonpartisan Solutions to Global Warming, but you can get them to talk about a 10-ton coal drop."

-        Peter Meidlinger, Drury University, Missouri

 

"The problem is urgent. The problem, as we discover more, is more urgent than we thought. It is moving fast and there is no time to waste."

-        Phil Condon, Professor of Environmental Studies, University of Montana

 

"The climate future is literally in our hands. The decisions we make today and over the next decade about how we use and how we produce energy is going to determine the climate that our children and grandchildren inherit by the end of the century."

-        Camerone Wake, Research Assistant, University of New Hampshire

 

"It's an opportunity for Duke to showcase some of the sustainability initiatives we have achieved on campus and highlight some of the future plans for further reducing our environmental impact... A lot of students are very excited. It's a great opportunity to educate more people."

-        Tavey Capps, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, Duke University

 

"ND holds the embarrassing distinction of having the highest approval rating for the current president. That translates into a lot of misinformation about climate change and a lot of refusal to believe. Our event was small and manageable. I think we made a small step forward. Thank you for your insight and determination to pull this off."

-        Jean Rolandelli, Dept. Chair, Science and Engineering, Bismarck State College

 

"We don't really see yet the comprehensive, really revolutionary developments that are needed."

-        Congressman Rush Holt, New Jersey

 

"The real reason that Congress does not yet feel the urgency is that we don't"

-        Kirby Torrance, Field Canvass Director, New Jersey Environmental Federation

 

"Climate change and energy issues are not where they need to be on the national agenda for the severity of the problems they pose."

-        Fred Curtis, Professor of Environmental Studies and Economics, Drew University

 

"It's particularly important for NMSU, which is the largest employer and purchaser of materials and probably energy in southern New Mexico apart from the military. What we can do can have a big influence on the rest of the community."

-        Tim McKimmie, Associate Professor of Agriculture, New Mexico State University

 

“People will have to do something once their awareness has been raised. The question is what. That's a question all of us need to be asking ourselves, our elected officials, administration at the university. That's the challenge of this generation. It's not something that one person can wave a magic wand.”

-        Connie Falk, Professor, New Mexico State University

 

"I'm counting on students, like the people in this room, and all over the country, to change perception in this country, and I think it's happened."

-        Steve Cohen, Executive Director, The Earth Institute, Columbia University

 

"We need leadership. Leadership is only going to come when people care enough about the issues to choose leaders who care about change."

-        Whitney Larsen, student, Cornell University

 

"There is only one thing we can do pretty immediately to help with (global warming" and that is to vote."

-        Kerry Cook, Climatologist, Cornell University

 

"Here at Fordham we have already begun to do our part. The larger part of the work lies with you...to educate, inspire and move public and policy officials to act always for the common good."

-        Joseph McShane, President, Fordham University

 

"If we do this right, kids are going to love it, the community is going to be enthralled and the world will be given just one more example of what an exceptional place Hobart and William Smith Colleges are."

-        Tim Robbins, student, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

 

"I felt a good amount of momentum being generated, and the focus on solutions was a good change. Students definitely appreciated the positive focus on what we can do rather than just the scary possibilities."

-        E. Christa Farmer, Hofstra University

 

"Excellent initiative. We have to make sure action is taken by political leaders now. Follow up on what they are doing and going to is critical."

-        Jon Rosales, Professor, St. Lawrence University

 

"This was an extraordinary group effort that engaged staff from all over campus as well as faculty and students. A watershed moment at our school."

-        Rachel May, Syracuse University

 

"When the history of the response to climate change is written, Oklahoma wil not be in the first chapter, and it probably won't be in the secong chapter. But, we have every potential to figure prominently towards the end."

-        Miles Tolbert, Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment

 

"The climate crisis is my generation's greatest challenge, but solving it will be our greatest opportunity. Who will join us? Who will join us to focus the nation?"

-        Jesse Jenkins, Climate Activist, Oregon

 

"The U.S. is such an influential country. I think it's only fair and right that we lead the way in changing the way we live our lives."

-        Katie Elze, student, University of Portland

 

"Every once in a great while, people have the opportunity to come together and do something truly remarkable. This is one of those opportunities."

-        State Senator Ben Westlund, Oregon

 

"The symposium itself saw outstanding attendance, and was met with interactive and enthusiastic audiences. Followingeach panel session, faces and comments of participants and audience members alike showed an energy suggestive of inspiration, and hope. This was an indication of the extent to which discussion of solutions makes people recognize that despondence is irrelevant, and that human behavior is the ultimate antidote."

-        Natalie Sashkin, student, Willamette University

 

"This is definitely a step in the right direction. We are trying to bridge the gap between students and real world problems. It's an important issue, and I feel like people are learning, which is what we hoped for. We want students to get involved on a personal level, as small actions add up."

-        Tyler Polich, student, University of Oregon

 

"It shows students' awareness that they are the future To unite schools like this and educate people, it's a great."

-        Kelly Zillman, University of Oregon Recycling Center

 

"Global warming is the moral issue of our times. It must be dealt with collectively and immediately. Our Focus the nation events at Pacific are designed to bring global warming into high relief, demonstrating its far-reaching implications, but also its real-world solutions."

-        Jules Boykoff, Professor of Politics and Government, Pacific University

 

"I organize at a community college and so it wasn't simple to bring students out and get them involved, but the level of commitment on both the part of faculty and students ended up surprising me. Its the time to be pushing for events like this."

-        Joe Marino, Lane Community College

 

"This is a great opportunity for students and community members from all disciplines and levels of understanding to become involved in the national dialogue on climate change. The path to U.S. cooperation with the international community begins at the state and local level. There are not many times in life that we have the opportunity to make such an impact on the future of the world."

-        Thomas Eatmon, Visiting Scholar of Environmental Science, Allegheney College

 

"If current educational and political leaders fail to address the causes of global climate instability seriously and promptly, history will rightly judge us as the most selfish and short-sighted generation in history. We have the knowledge and means to limit the damaging effects of global climate change, and now we need to muster the wisdom, courage and will t preserve an earth worth inhabiting by coming generations. We will not be forgiven for standing by as if we are helpless.

-        Richard Cook, President, Allegheney College

 

"II would really like to get involved in more political activism and get Wilkes University signatures and emails to try and guide Governor Rendell towards his environmental plan that has been sitting on the back burner for about two years."

-        Neil Kresge, student, Wilkes University

 

"We have an individual responsibility to understand things, but we also have a responsibility to hold institutions accountable, not to get to the point where only they have full knowledge. You don't necessarily need to be in office for things to change, but you do need to engage."

-        Winona LaDuke

 

"I've been here 17 years and I've never seen this campus so engaged as it was on January 31st!"

-        Anonymous Professor, Shippensburg University

 

"Great event! Thanks for the leadership. Let's do it again."

-        Carolyn Dodson, Chattanooga State Technical College

 

"We were not surprised to find low interest levels among our students leading up to the teach-in, but a few hundred students became much more interested as a result of the teach-in and corollary academic assignments. I was proud to be associated with such a dedicated group."

-        Dr. Ollie Lee, Professor, Lee University

 

"People are still grinning and FTN 2009 is before us.

-        Bea Bailey, Professor, Clemson University

 

"Across the country discussions will be taking place about how to stabilize global warming pollution and invest in clean energy solutions. The decisions made on these issues will have a profound impact not only on our lives and the lives of our children, but indeed for every human being who will ever walk the face of the planet from now until the end of time."

-        Dr. Chip Green, Professor of Geology, University of South Carolina – Upstate

 

"During each semester, since I started teaching, I always inform and discuss with my students the latest statistics regarding the damage we are causing to our mother earth. As educators we should be concerned and continuously share that concern with our young generation and teach them how to conserve and to believe that our natural resources are finite. Global warming is one of many serious problems all living creatures are facing today. One hour a year is not enough. The issue should be introduced as often as we can in all disciplines. There is one earth in our solar system and if we destroy it, then where and how will our kids and grandkids live and enjoy life?"

-        Dr. Garnal Elnagar, Professor of Mathematics, University of South Carolina – Upstate

 

"Global warming is indeed a global and a local problem. Climate change knows no jurisdiction. That is why we need solutions not just locally, but on the state and national level as well."

-        Chris Story, EPA Assistant County Administrator, South Carolina

 

"There are times when the world changes because new opportunities emerge and new generations reach out to seize them. There are times when the world changes because it must. This time is both."
- Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island

 

"One of the most frequent questions I am asked by people is, 'what can I do to make a difference?' Even though the problem may seem large, just remember that if every one of us makes small changes, they can add up and lead to big impacts. Most importantly, I ask you to remain committed to this issue because, if we want our nation to change, we need the support and encouragement of every American. I am a proud sponsor of the Safe Climate Act... Most scientists agree that that approach is necessary to avoid catastrophic effects of climate change, but unfortunately we don't have enough support in Congress to pass the bill. That will change only when you, your friends and your family join people from all corners of the nation in calling for swift action."

-        Congressman Jim Langevin, Rhode Island

 

"I like the overwhelming response of the professors on this event. Many congratulated me on the initiative of organizing, and it was really easy to do."

-        Dr. Sandra Cruz-Pol, Professor, University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez

 

"Though we're small, less than 2 percent of the population, we have a significant impact into long-range decision-making in our natural resource environment. We live on the same planet -- we have to protect what we have as well. We just borrow the earth from our grandchildren."

-        Gary Collins, Arapaho Liaison for Wyoming Governor’s Office

 

"The teach-in provided the kind of intellectual connection that gives our campus a wonderful, vital synergy. We might not have easy answers or quick-fix solutions after today's teach-in, but it gave us another opportunity to join together, ask questions, and share our knowledge."

-        Theresa Earenfight, Associate Professor of History, Seattle University

 

"Youth participation and empowerment! Youth from all 4 college/university campuses addressed their local and state representatives with their burning questions on stage in front of over 500 audience members. Very powerful!"

-        Chelsie Papiez, student, Evergreen State College

 

Regarding action on climate change: "The train has left the station and now it's just a matter of guiding it to its destination."

-        Ernie Pomerleau, Chairman, Governor’s Commission on Climate Change, Vermont

 

"Focus the Nation did an amazing job of bringing new constituencies together to discuss and build the climate change movement. The momentum we created in bringing together faculty, students, teachers and community leaders of all ages to discuss how to accomplish this goal was in itself an incredible step in the right direction, and I expect it will only grow as the effort moves forward."

-        Jeremy Osborn, alumnus, Middlebury College

 

"It's not a Republican or Democratic planet, it's not a liberal or conservative planet. It doesn't matter who addresses it as long as we get serious about the problem."

-        Ray Bailey, Norther Virginia Community College

 

"Trying to solve global warming won't be done with one solution. This issue will take everybody at the top working with cooperation from everyone to make it work."

-        Denny Cochrane, Sustainability, Virginia Tech – Capitol Region

 

"Demand change. If you're not engaged, politicians will be more reluctant to change. The impetus needs to come from the people."

-        Mayor JoAnn Seghini, Midvale, Utah

 

"I thought it was great to know our leaders have strong opinions on climate change, that they know we support Focus the Nation and hopefully they'll act even more."

-        Sharon Leopardi, alumna, University of Utah

 

"We need to move beyond that Madison Avenue approach and mobilize voters in our state to realize this is an issue."

-        State Senator Mark Miller, Wisconsin