Florida A&M University joined universities across the nation in hosting The “Focus the Nation” teach-in program to spread awareness about global warming. On Jan. 28 to the 31, the program’s objective was getting the FAMU community to learn ways to stop the increase of global warming.
FAMU’s “Focus the Nation” was hosted and organized by the Environmental Sciences Student Organization and the FAMU Green Coalition.
The week was jam packed with events, seminars and guest speakers.
Participants were given the opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions and share their opinions on steps to help the community.
Daniel Parker, assistant division director of environmental health with the department of health, was one of many guest speakers at the program. Parker wanted to show students how much of an impact climate change can have on our future.
“Is Florida on an unsustainable path?” Parker asked. “The population is 18 million now and growing. It is our job to make moves and decisions to improve our environment.”
Parker said traffic is actually a big factor in global warming and energy consumption.
“Traffic and cars are a major contributor to carbon dioxide, which is ultimately hurting our health,” he said. “Let’s make smart decisions. Little things such as cooking your own meals can help out tremendously.”
The major aim of the program was to show people that human activity has been a driving force in the climate change over the past 50 years.
According to the United Nations scientific panel studying global warming, heat-trapping devices such as smokestacks, tailpipes and burning forests have played a central role in raising the average surface temperature of the earth by more than 1 degree Fahrenheit since 1900.
Brandi Brown, 23, a senior public relations student from Tampa and an assistant for the program, said she was very excited to be apart of the program.
“The program was very beneficial, and the students all gained something from the teach-in,” Brown said. ” I was surprised to see how concerned the students were. It was kind of an eye-opener for most. I’m glad to see that everyone took the issue seriously.
“We know that we have hurt the environment, now its time to move ahead and fix it. Everybody needs to just chip in,” she continued.
President James H. Ammons spoke at one of the events to show his support and discuss FAMU’s current efforts and plans for sustainability.
“We are excited to be a part of this initiative,” Ammons said. “It represents the enormous power that young people have when they use their education to create positive change in the world.”