The 2030 date to achieve the Paris climate target has inspired new engagement in climate solutions. Many of us wonder, “Is this goal within reach?” The answer is “yes,” if we engage with passion and intelligence right where we live. This fall, I will be out and about speaking to campuses and communities about this as part of a national project—Solve Climate By 2030.
What we need now is for the places we live and learn to lead us to a brighter climate future. For the last decade I’ve advocated that colleges and universities and local governments—two long overlooked sectors—can and must play a critical role to draw down carbon emissions. Not only that, I’ve succeeded (with great teams!) in procuring ecologically sound and community-oriented solar energy, passed climate-smart policy at the local level, and more. To get a taste, read “How we can combat climate change: Set local emissions goals” featured in The Washington Post, that I co-authored with Brandi Robinson.
Do you want me to visit your campus or community to give a non-partisan on local climate solutions this fall? My talk can be a public lecture, a roundtable with college or community leaders, or for a class or classes, and there is no cost for the presentation. If I visit your campus, I can also give a version of my TEDx Talk, “What’s the Future Hold? Ask a Metalhead.” It’s a way of examining how heavy metal musicians have been communicating global risks including climate change. Travel expenses may need to be covered.
The Solve Climate By 2030 project also has a list of over 50 other faculty and NGO experts able to give a similar non-partisan talk on near-term climate solutions, at no charge, in states across the country.
With the climate strikes set nationwide for late September and the election on the horizon, climate change is emerging as perhaps the pivotal issue for young people. This is the time to provide a deeper conversation about what it would really mean to Solve Climate By 2030, and the critical role that students and citizens will play.
If you are interested, contact me at pdbuckland@gmail.comor through LinkedIn.
Peter Walks for Democracy 