“This is an excellent opportunity for students (and others) to think critically about environmental issues and apply these thoughts to discussions with Edina leaders,” said senior and student commissioner to the EEC, Bevlin Jennings. In fact, Michele Bachmann and Keith Downey have both promised to attend the event; event attendees can chat with them about climate issues.
The Edina Energy & Environment Commission (EEC) will be putting on an Edina Dialogue on April 19th from 6pm-8:50 p.m. at Fick Auditorium.
The dialogue will revolve around the environment, the economy, and the food supply in global and local contexts. The event is free; all members of the community are welcome. The keynote speaker at the event will be Dr. Jonathan Foley, Director of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment. You may recognize Dr. Foley from a recent Ted Talk. Regardless, Dr. Foley is a renowned and powerful environmental speaker who will raise questions of both personal lifestyle and collective sustainability relative to climate and food supply. “Edina is considered a leader in taking action for the environment in the metro area. Progress in energy efficiency and creating a green economy Edina needs new people and new energy to drive these improvements to new levels,” said Paul Thompson, president of Cool Planet and EEC board member.
As far as details of the event itself, from 6-6:45 p.m. will be a social hour; refreshments will be provided. From 7-7:40 p.m. will be Dr. Foley’s presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Following the Q & A will be arguably the most valuable part of the night: a panel discussion made up of local leaders. Representatives from within Edina from the business, school, political, religious, and other sectors will be present to discuss. Ms. Sarah Zarrin Mohtadi, EEC board member, lead organizer of the event, and president of Edina Go Green, added, “This is a community event with a collaboration of City of Edina, Mayor, Edina schools, residents, project earth, profit and non-profit organizations, community of faith, and businesses.”
There will be follow up to the event; community members and leaders will facilitate discorse. Also, students who attend the event will receive certification in Environmental Awareness, awarded by Dr. Locklear, Ms. Sarah Zarrin Mohtadi, and Mr. Paul Thompson. Teachers who attend the event will receive three Continuing Education Units.
Ms. Mohtadi concluded, “We all are part of the environment. With the busy daily lives we have, it easy to forget what our impact on the environment is. We need to go beyond recycling.”
For more information visit www.EdinaGoGreen.org
