Focus the Nation is a national teach-in designed to foster dialogue on the solutions to global warming. On the eve of the United States presidential primaries, Focus the Nation is also an effort to urge politicians to address climate change and advance solutions to it. Across the country, over 1000 colleges, universities, businesses, and religious institutions are gathering to act upon what is quickly becoming one of the most critical issues the world faces today. …

… First conceived by Williams Alum Eban Goodstein, Focus the Nation will occur on Williams' campus on February 5.

Many faculty members have pledged to spend part or all of their class time on this day addressing how climate change affects their disciplines. In addition, students, faculty, and community members are invited to attend a wide range of events, including workshops on ways to reduce individual carbon footprints, green features in the new building projects, and presentations by environmental leaders in diverse aspects of society.

Organizations represented include the Williamstown COOL Committee, Sustainable South Bronx, BMW, Dwell Advertising, and the Bali Youth Delegation.

Capping off the evening is a panel discussion on Williams' commitment to sustainability, followed by a keynote address delivered by Worldwatch President Christopher Flavin. Panel members include college President Morty Shapiro, Vice President of Operations Steve Klass, and several other important Williams administrators.

Baxter Hall in the Paresky Student Center will serve as the "Action Center," with opportunities to register to vote, call elected officials, learn about candidate's environmental positions, and purchase carbon offsets.

Focus The Nation is aimed at bringing a wide spectrum of the Berkshire community together to address the broader implications of global warming. "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," said Morgan Goodwin, one of the event's organizers. "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."

Related Links:
Press Release on Flavin's Lecture

FOCUS THE NATION
Tuesday, February 5, 2008

PARESKY ACTION CENTER: 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Come to Baxter Hall in the Paresky Center to connect with real opportunities to stop global warming and create a bright and sustainable future. Opportunities include calling your congressmen about pending legislation, learn about what students are doing on campus, and register to vote.

WORKSHOPS: 11:20 a.m.–3:50 p.m.

11:20 a.m.–12:35 p.m.

LOCAL INITIATIVES PANEL From implementing the Williamstown Climate Action Plan to making homes more environmentally friendly with cutting-edge technology, many Williamstown residents are taking action against global warming. Come and learn about both the many ways people are addressing climate change in our town and what you can do to make a difference!
Panel speakers include: Jane Allen (Williamstown COOL Committee), Hank Art (Samuel Fessenden Clarke Professor of Biology), and Craig Robertson (J Craig Robertson Building)
Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall

1:10–2:25 p.m.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: GREEN INNOVATION IN THE INSURANCE AND MARKETING INDUSTRIES Travelers Insurance and Dwell Creative are both renowned for creating business opportunities within the emerging markets. Renowned for creativity and style in green marketing, Rooks will discuss his company's vision for the emerging market. Travelers is the first national insurance discount of 10% for hybrid drivers, providing incentive for individuals to minimize their impact on the environment and is taking significant other measures to develop incentive based climate change solutions.
Speakers include: Lace Garbatini (Travelers Insurance, National Director) and John Rooks (Dwell Creative, President)
Paresky Theater (L02)

THE FIGHT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE From urban to rural areas, many groups of people within America are fighting environmental injustice (when members of disadvantaged, minority, or other groups suffer disproportionately from environmental risks and hazards). Come see why environmental injustice is one of the biggest concerns facing America today, and what certain organizations, such as the Sustainable South Bronx, and Coal River Mountain Watch are doing to empower citizens to stand up for a clean and just future.
Speakers include: Dwaine Lee (Sustainable South Bronx, Project Manager), Lorelei Scarbo (Coal River Mountain Watch), and Bob Kincaid (Coal River Mountain Watch)
Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall

2:35–3:50 p.m.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN WORKSHOP This workshop will address how architects around the world, including at Williams College, are minimizing the negative environmental impact of buildings. The North and South Academic buildings currently under construction will be certified as green buildings thanks to the innovation of their architects.
Speakers include: Lee Clark (Bohlin Cywinski Jackson)
Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall

THE GRASSROOTS GROUNDSWELL Youth are leading the charge in the United States and across the world to push for bold and positive global warming solutions. Using innovative online tools, passionate organizing work and expanding social networks, students are building state and regional coalitions to coordinate action, as well as organizing massive days of action at thousands of locations across the country. Come learn about some of the various environmental grassroots organizations, what they are already doing to affect change, and how you can help.
Speakers include: Will Bates (Bali Youth delegate and Step-it-Up National Organizer) and Morgan Goodwin '08 (Masss Youth Climate Action representative)
Paresky Theater (L02)

TOWN HALL FORUM 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Come discuss Williams College's plans for sustainability with the administration. In this open forum, we will hear about what the college is doing and have the opportunity to share our visions for the future.
Introduction: President Schapiro.
Panelists: Steve Klass (Vice President for Operations), Bill Lenhart (Provost and Treasurer), Karen Merrill (Dean of the College), Irene Addison (Associate Vice President for Facilities and Auxiliary Services), Stephanie Boyd (Acting Director of the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives).
Moderators: Sarah Gardner (Associate Director of the Center for Environmental Studies), Amy Johns (Environmental Analyst)
Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall

FOCUS THE NATION LECTURE 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Christopher Flavin, President of the Worldwatch Institute will give a lecture "CLIMATE OF HOPE: THE PATH TO A LOW-CARBON ECONOMY"
Chapin Hall