Shippensburg University was part of a unique national teach-in concerning global warming that took place at the end of January. Focus the Nation occurred in all 50 states with more than 1750 colleges and universities taking part including Shippensburg.

I’m extremely excited about the range of faculty, students, and outside speakers who participated in our event,” said Tim Hawkins, assistant professor of geography and earth science who organized the university’s participation.

A web cast of the “2% Solution” produced by the National Wildlife Federation kicked off the teach-in on January 30. The next day faculty from a variety of departments throughout the university presented programs on topics ranging from water resources, sustainable cities, energy conservation, environmental history, the impact of climate change on mental health, growing a green business, and climate change and the media. The teach-in ended with a panel discussion on the role of students, government, universities, and Pennsylvanians in mitigating climate change. The panel included Scott Van de Mark of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, John Hanger, president and CEO of Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture), and President Bill Ruud.

Nationally, it was estimated more than one million people took part including seventy-five United States senators and representatives.

With low-key publicity, Teach-in coordinator Tim Hawkins wasn’t sure what to expect. Even his high expectations were exceeded locally and nationally. On campus, more than 1,000 students participated while still maintaining their class schedules.