Today I had the opportunity to attend a panel featuring faculty from the MIT Energy Initiative, hosted by the MIT's MISTI program. The speakers (Francis O'Sullivan, Howard Herzog, Jacobo Buongiorno, and Ignacio Perez-Arriaga) presented on various energy options and developments that can help mitigate the effects of CO2 in our atmosphere (i.e.--global climate change). Topics included solar energy, carbon sequestration, nuclear power and regulation.  Listening to these experts gave one a glimmer of hope.

As I left the Student Center, I saw a number of posters advertising events focusing on climate change. Is it my imagination or is this pressing topic getting more attention than usual?  It may be that it's April and we're nearing Earth Day, but maybe the reasons are more profound. Perhaps awareness and momentum are building and action--all kinds: scientific, technological, behavioral, political, economic--is kicking up a notch.  One can hope. And learn. And take action.

Below is a partial listing of what's happening on campus or at the "other" university down the river. 

Should MIT Divest? A Debate on Fossil Fuel Investment?"--Thursday, April 9th at 4:30pm in Kresge Auditorium

Harvard Heat Week--April 12-17; Harvard University

MIT Climate Change Conversation Listening Tour--Monday, April 13; 12noon-1:00pm in 4-237

Climate Change and Energy: How Can Young People Take Ownership of Their Future?" Dr. Jim Hansen--Tuesday, April 14 at 4:00pm in E51-115