University of California, San Diego
ER-T2-6: Sustainability Events

Dalai Lama visits UCSD to discuss global warming: In April 2012, the Dalai Lama visited UC San Diego’s RIMAC arena to speak about global climate change. With more than 4,200 people in attendance, the Dalai Lama joined distinguished professors Veerabhadran Ramanathan and Emeritus Richard Somerville to discuss the effect of human activities on climate change and what must be done to remedy these problems. The Dalai Lama stressed the need for spiritual leaders to promote education as a vehicle for awareness and compassion. Earth Week (April 16th-20th): In April 2012, UC San Diego celebrated Earth Week with a variety of events including tree plantings, a sustainability awards show, an e-waste collection, a special film screening and more to recognize the theme “A Better More Sustainable U.” Students also took part in the “Own Your Own Impact” campaign, committing to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives. Open Mic Night (October 11th): In October 2012, UC San Diego hosted an Open Mic Night to promote sustainability on campus and provide students with an opportunity to showcase their passions and talents. Prospect Chats (October 16th): UC San Diego hosted the event entitled "Prospect Chats" featuring a student debate discussing the environmental propositions of the November election ballot and how America's environmental efforts compare globally. Food Expo (October 24th): UCSD took part in the nationwide celebration of Food Day, a movement toward more healthy, affordable, and sustainable food, by hosting a Food Expo featuring sustainable food suppliers, community organizations and student organizations that are leaders in the real food movement. Professors Unscripted: Beyond Food and Evil (October 30th): UCSD University Centers partnered up with the Student Sustainability Collective and the Sustainability Programs Office to host this event focusing on food as a topic of sustainability. Featured professors discussed local and global food systems as well as provided insight into the research and projects taking place in San Diego. “Merchants of Doubt” Discussion with Author Naomi Oreskes (November 1st): Naomi Oreskes, author, expert, and also the former provost of Sixth College, talked about the parallels between the climate change debate and earlier controversies over tobacco smoking, acid rain and the hole in the ozone layer. In her book, Merchants of Doubt, Oreskes argues that the basic opposition strategy is "keeping the controversy alive" by spreading doubt and confusion after a scientific consensus had been reached. Thrifting Trunk Show (November 27th): In November 2012, UC San Diego hosted its first Thrifting Trunk Show promoting sustainable fashion. The Trunk Show featured thrift stores from all over San Diego as well as well as on-campus fashion magazines, NO15, Trend, and Fashion Quarterly who showcased looks from each thrift store in a fashion show. Attendees were encouraged to bring their unwanted clothes to donate in exchange for raffle tickets. All items were then donated to the San Diego Rescue Mission.

Dalai Lama's visit: http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/features/global_warming_solutions_dependent_on_oneness_of_humanity_dalai_lama_tells/ Earth Week: earthweek.ucsd.edu Open Mic Night: https://www.facebook.com/sustainucsd/events#!/events/303083173132152/ Prospect Chats: https://www.facebook.com/sustainucsd/events#!/events/115592208594372/ Food Expo: http://www.foodday.org/jbaltman/uc_san_diego_sustainable_food_expo Professors Unscripted: https://www.facebook.com/events/426776180718864/ Merchants of Doubt: https://www.facebook.com/sustainucsd#!/events/212052125593756/ Thrifting Trunk Show: https://www.facebook.com/events/468631689847037/?fref=ts