Climate change is one of the most challenging problems humanity will ever face. According to the , six of the top ten global threats over the next decade are related to climate change and environmental devastation.
As the planet heats up, the need for knowledge and participation towards global solutions in sustainability increases. That鈥檚 why the 麻豆视频 (USF) Judy Genshaft Honors College has worked to promote a more sustainable future by joining hundreds of organizations from around the world in hosting the . Since 2022, Honors Bulls, educators, organizations, governments, and citizens have worked together to share information and education around climate change, climate action, and climate justice.
2022: FROM INDIVIDUAL ACTION TO SYSTEMIC CHANGE
At the 2022 Worldwide Teach in on Climate and Justice, the Judy Genshaft Honors College hosted three evocative and informative panels with leading experts in the Tampa Bay area. The first panel engaged students on the municipal, state, and national policies on the environment and how students can impact these policies. The second panel focused on the power of community and thinking and acting locally to solve global problems. Finally, the third panel humanized climate solutions and endeavors by discussing the role of the individual and how huge existential problems like climate change impact an individual鈥檚 emotions and can cause feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. The teach-in offered the tools, strategies, and community for students to channel those feelings into knowledge and action.
In addition to the expert panels, the teach-in included a gardening demonstration and seed giveaway in partnership with the Judy Genshaft Honors College Community Garden, a showing of the film Princess Mononoke in partnership with the Honors Living Learning Community, a presentation from the Sustainability and Resilience Officer of the city of Tampa, Whit Remer, a recycled art activity, community partner outreach, informational pamphlets, and more.
2023: EDUCATION AND APPLICATION
The 2023 Worldwide Teach in on Climate and Justice focused on themes of education and application with discussions and activities designed to help students and community members find effective solutions for the critical climate issues we face. The day-long event on USF鈥檚 Tampa campus featured art and research exhibitions, an environmental-career fair, photo competition, and moderated dialogues from students, faculty, and other experts.
2024: CONTINUING TO GROW
The impact of the teach-in is only increasing. According to organizers, 58,000 people attended 285 events in 61 countries all over the world in 2023 alone. Planning for the 2024 teach-in is already well underway, with dozens of USF student leaders working together to plan a full week of activities across USF鈥檚 Tampa campus. Scheduled for April 1-8, 2024, a new 鈥榃orldwide Climate and Justice Education Week' will allow Bulls to attend different events each day, gain access to climate education resources, and help inspire hope in the USF community.
Judy Genshaft Endowed Dean Charles Adams is optimistic about student involvement and the ability to grow the event from beyond the Honors College into a university-wide event. 鈥淭he Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week will engage hundreds of students in climate education and action,鈥� said Adams. 鈥淲e look forward to continuing to grow the event to help more USF students take action with a full week of climate-related activities in 2024.鈥�
Whether a student is a passionate climate activist, a climate skeptic, or existing somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, the teach-in offers a constructive and collaborative curriculum to actively engage students in the problems or climate change, as well as the solutions to local and global environmental issues. 鈥�
Check the Judy Genshaft Honors College event page regularly for updates on this year鈥檚 Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week. USF students who want to get involved can email Honors Professor Dr. Andrew Hargrove.