According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average temperature of the Earth has risen by 1.5°F over the past 100 years, and is projected to rise another 0.5°F to 8.6°F over the next century.
While this may seem like a relatively small change, even slight fluctuations in Earth’s average temperature can result in drastic changes in weather and climate.
“Climate change, which is defined as a change in global climate patterns, most recently attributed to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide from human activities, has become one of the most polarizing topics in American politics,” explains John Pumilio, Friends of Rogers Board Member and Director of Sustainability at Colgate University. “The ideological and political divide on the issue of climate change has undermined the science and led to uncertainty among many people who are not sure what to believe.”
Fortunately, Rogers Center is hosting an opportunity to explore climate change in Central New York. Join Friends of Rogers on April 9 at 10:30 am for an interactive discussion with Pumilio to help untangle myth from reality regarding climate change. This town hall-style discussion will touch on a number of subjects, including the science behind climate change and its potential impacts, as well as what is being done to address it.
In addition to Colgate University, Pumilio – a Central New York native – has worked for the National Park Service, the National Audubon Society and Tauck World Discovery. In his current role, Pumilio has been instrumental in implementing numerous sustainability programs that have reduced Colgate University’s ecological and carbon footprints, including a 30 percent reduction of the campus’ carbon footprint since 2009. This unique program is made possible thanks to the generosity of Hamilton Friends Meeting (Quakers).
“We are extremely grateful for this partnership,” said Simon Solomon, FOR executive director. “Since 2011, when Friends of Rogers saved Rogers Environmental Education Center from closing, we have relied on the generosity of local organizations to support community activities, allowing this vital resource to be preserved – and to flourish.”
The program will be held in the Visitor Center just off state Route 80 in Sherburne. While there is no charge, Friends of Rogers encourages contributions to support future operations. Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for people of all ages. Seasonal hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.