Montana State University students and faculty will hold their sixth consecutive Climate Week from April 20 to 24, according to an announcement on Apr. 16. The event series aims to address climate change and discuss solutions for a warming world through various public activities.
Climate Week is organized by the Campus Climate Coalition along with other members of the MSU community who are focused on advancing climate literacy and best practices for climate mitigation and adaptation. The week’s activities are intended not only to inform but also inspire action among students and local residents.
Gavin Cloyed, a sophomore majoring in environmental sciences and member of the student group, said, “The threat of climate change on the MSU campus and Gallatin Valley community is becoming more pronounced by the year. Just as the Campus Climate Coalition introduced me to new opportunities, I hope Climate Week can do the same for others. Inspiring students to incorporate sustainability into their lives, majors and eventually careers is a major reason why I’m proud to be involved.”
Natalie Baur, a senior studying film and environmental studies, said she hopes that conversations during Climate Week will contribute solutions “to what she calls ‘one of the biggest challenges my generation will face.'” Paul Lachapelle, professor of political science at MSU and member of the faculty-led Climate Solutions Group, said, “As the risks of the climate crisis become increasingly clear, I’m proud of the leadership our students are showing to organize events that provide learning opportunities on what many scientists consider to be the most consequential issue facing humanity.”
Events include interdisciplinary discussions featuring local leaders in environmental advocacy; an Earth Day concert presented by faculty and students from MSU’s School of Music; panel discussions about snowpack changes; electric vehicle exhibitions; networking sessions around sustainability topics; nature walks led by retired professors; student film showcases about climate issues; and a campus clean-up hosted by student organizations.
All events are free and open to all members of the public. Montana State University leads in research funding within Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university also contributes significantly through volunteer efforts as well as outreach initiatives designed to improve lives and support environmental stewardship according to its official website.
MSU ranks among the top five percent of global universities per rankings from The Center for World University Rankings according to its official website, enrolling approximately 17,165 students split evenly between residents and nonresidents according to its official website. As Montana’s land-grant institution focused on research, education, community outreach according to its official website, MSU continues serving both state needs and broader communities beyond Montana’s borders according to its official website.
