Master Teacher Program Sponsors WNY Climate Conversations

Buffalo State is hosting the WNY Climate Conversations, an opportunity to learn about climate change and action, on Saturday, February 9, at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

Free and open to the public, the conversations are sponsored by the New York State Master Teacher Program, Western Region. The event runs from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and features Stephen Vermette, Buffalo State professor of geography and planning; Jonathan Garlick, professor of oral pathology at Tufts University and senior fellow at Tisch College of Civic Life; and Sohayla Eldeeb, a Florida high school student and global outreach director of the Zero Hour Youth Movement.

“The WNY Climate Conversations are an opportunity to discuss climate change and environmental justice with people in our networks and communities,” said David Henry, Buffalo State associate professor of elementary education, literacy, and educational leadership and Master Teacher Program co-director. “At the end of these presentations, we hope participants will walk away with some tools and information needed to take action for climate justice and resilience.”

Vermette will kick off the conversation with his talk “Weathering Climate Change in Western New York.”  Vermette, whose teaching interests are in meteorology, climatology, and water-related issues, will highlight the five climate zones of WNY, as well as focus on his research about trends and preparing for the changing climate.

Garlick, who is leading a national initiative through Tisch College to inform public learning about science and human health as a bridge toward improving civic life, will follow with “Dialogue Beyond Differences.” During his talk, he will lead an activity encouraging values-based discussions around complex, often controversial topics with those who have different perspectives.

Eldeeb will close with the conversations with “Youth Action for Climate Justice.” She will discuss youth activism and her involvement in the Zero Hour movement that has organized a march and lobby day in Washington, D.C., and in more than 25 locations around the world.    

Visit the Burchfield Penney Art Center site for more information and to register or visit wnyyouthclimatesummit.org.