Climate Change Speaker Headlines Truman Sustainability Week

Truman will celebrate Sustainability Week Oct. 23-28 as part of the University’s continuing efforts to encourage lasting ideals to meet the needs of the present while also securing prosperity in the future.

The highlight of the week will be Michael Urban’s presentation, “The Science Behind Climate Change,” at 4 p.m. Oct. 25 in Violette Hall 1000.

Urban is an associate professor and chair of geography at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and his research specialty is climate change, water resources and environmental management. The focus of much of his work has been on how river systems and water resources have changed in response to patterns of climate, human behavior and human impacts on the environment during the past century. His recent work involves modeling 20th and 21st century climatic water budgets across the United States and northeastern China.  

Urban has attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference as a representative of the Association of American Geographers. He is interested in how a changing climate will affect water resources and environmental management on local and regional scales. Some of Urban’s published works include topics such as how the perception of natural environments influences public policy, the ethics and philosophy behind environmental restoration, and the effect of agriculture on the physical integrity of river channels and stream networks.

Truman’s Sustainability Committee strives to dedicate its resources to coordination, development and engagement of sustainable practices. Details for other events taking place throughout the week can be found below or on the Truman Sustainability Facebook page.

Zero Waste Day and Sustainability Pledge by ECO
11 a.m.-3 p.m.           
Oct 24
University Mall
 
Environmental Studies Minor Reception
3-4 p.m.
Oct. 25
Violette Hall Commons
For students interested in the minor, this is a chance ask questions and meet each other. This event is hosted by PSAC and the ENVS minor committee.

“The Science Behind Climate Change”
Dr. Michael Urban, chair of geography at the University of Missouri-Columbia
4 p.m.
Oct. 25
Violette Hall 1000

Learn About Local Foods Table
Sponsored by Communiversity Garden/Green Thumb Project
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 26
University Mall

Sustainability Fee Committee Project Showcase
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 26
University Mall

Recycling Drive
For glass, batteries and used cell phones
12-4 p.m.
Oct. 26
Violette Hall 1310

TLS Thrift Shop
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 27
Student Union Building Alumni Room

Recycling Drive
For glass, batteries and used cell phones
12-4 p.m.
Oct. 27
Violette Hall 1310

TLS Thrift Shop
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 28
Student Union Building Alumni Room
 
Recycling Drive
For glass, batteries and used cell phones
12-4 p.m.
Oct. 28
Violette Hall 1310

The Sustainability Tag Event will take place from Oct. 23-28. Post a picture on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #trumansustainability. The person with the most tags will win a free bike from the Bike Co-op.

Check out the Truman Snapchat account Oct. 26 for more information about that day’s events and the University’s sustainability efforts.