2009 Oct 12
For Immediate Release
GCC presentations to focus on environmental awareness
Special presentations are planned during October at Glendale Community College (GCC) as the college's Green Efforts Committee seeks to broaden awareness regarding environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – At 1 p.m. in Room 104E of the GCC Student Union, the committee will show the film "Rivers of Destiny" from the film series "Journey to Plant Earth." The film explores the environmental problems occurring along four rivers around the world.
Thursday, October 22 – GCC faculty, staff and others will address climate change and the importance of acting this fall on climate issues nationally and internationally in presentations scheduled for 11 a.m. in Student Union Room 104. For example, a clean-energy bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate, and new rounds of climate talks begin in December in Copenhagen. The discussions that day are part of the International Teach-In titled "90 Minutes on 350." The "350" refers to the belief by many scientists a concentration of carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million is necessary to stabilize the climate at a point that avoids catastrophe.
The presentations feature Mary Harris discussing global-warming basics, Robert Reavis showcasing a recycling project by GCC students, Erik Gergus on the catastrophic effects of climate change leading to extinction, Mark Floor on published resources on climate change, John Thrasher on the political climate of climate change, Beverly Lucchi on student demands for a cleaner environment and environmentally friendly poetry read by Johnnie Clemens May. As part of this event, Sam Fox from Wild at Heart, a rescue-and-rehabilitation operation specializing in owls and other birds of prey, will bring some of the birds from her facility.
Additional information on these sessions is available by contacting Reavis at robert.reavis@gcmail.maricopa.edu or by calling 623.845.3277.
In addition to these events, GCC is offering for the first time a one-credit-hour wellness course titled "Organic Gardening." Class sessions already have begun and will conclude later this month.
Because October is such a popular month for outdoor activities in Arizona, the committee offers these "green" camping tips:
Visit the Green Efforts web page at www.gccaz.edu/greenefforts for more ideas regarding environmental responsibility.