Following Hamilton’s participation in the Global Climate Strike last Friday, more than 50 faculty, staff, and students gathered Monday for Conversations on the Climate Crisis.
Attendees broke into groups by topics that addressed climate issues through the lens of environmental science and law, political theory and ethics, economics, literature, anthropology, and history. Each roundtable discussion was moderated by Hamilton professors, who balanced a classroom-like format with open discussion.
“I’m so impressed by the students,” added Naomi Guttman, professor of literature and creative writing, of those gathered at the discussions. “It’s their energy that the world will need to change the way things are.”
On Friday, some 250 members of the Hamilton community joined counterparts around the world to participate in the Global Climate Strike. Organized by representatives from a number of student groups, the event included student and faculty speakers whose messages focused on a theme of urgency and hope.
“We need to counter climate change, climate injustice, and climate obstruction with reinvigorated democracy,” Professor of Government Peter Cannavó told the gathering outside Commons Dining Hall. “That means more than buying energy-efficient light bulbs. It means speaking out, striking, protesting, engaging in civil disobedience, making climate change a top priority, even in the face of more immediate issues.”
