Oct. 28, 2008
Cut the Carbs Teach-in aims to spark conversation and engagement
Almost everyone on campus knows something about climate change, but how can that knowledge turn into action?
Blue and social work professor Mishka Lysack are moderating The Cut the Carbs Teach-in: Changing Climate, Changing Lifestyles.
“We receive a lot of information one-way through formal channels like lectures and brochures,” says Blue, “A teach-in offers something else—a chance for action, inspiration and mobilization. There’s more opportunity for all in attendance to interact and internalize what’s been offered because so many perspective are heard.”
Blue feels that this type of engagement is essential for action on climate change to gain a cultural footing where the environment is viewed as part of our lives and not an external problem.
The teach-in he points out is not expert driven. Its premise is that everyone has the chance to be public educator. This initial empowering step is aimed at deepening participation in climate action and citizen.
The benefit of this democratic approach explains Lysack is the expansion of public space around climate issues from the narrow bandwidth that is often dominated by industry, science and policy makers.
“Indeed, we have far more than professors,” says Lysack, “The presenters also include staff from Campus Infrastructure, students from medicine and environmental design, and a sitting MLA.”
Cut the Carbs Teach-in entitled Changing Climate, Changing Lifestyles.
For a complete list of presenters visit: www.ucalgary.ca/sustainability