• SEAC hosted the "Focus the Nation Teach-In" Jan. 31 in the AMU to discuss the issues of global warming
• Six faculty members discussed how global warming relates to their areas of study
• More than 70 people attended the teach-in
• Focus the Nation was a national event where discussion was held at more than 1,000 universities and high schools

The environmental issue of global warming can be found in the news on a daily basis, but some students do not understand the big picture of global warming. Students for an Environmentally Active Campus tried to change that by hosting the "Focus the Nation Teach-In" Thursday in the Alumni Memorial Union.

The event featured six faculty members who discussed how global warming relates to their areas of study and what improvements can be made for society to become more environmentally conscious.

McGee Young, assistant professor of political science, was one of the speakers featured at the teach-in.

"Every single one of you has the capacity to do something to help solve the problems of global warming," Young said. He described the environmental movement as "the greatest movement that nobody's ever heard of."

Young said to make a difference, people need to take action by joining groups, showing up to meetings and questioning the country's leaders.

Aimee McGinty, president of SEAC and a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, said she was incredibly happy with the turnout. She said she originally planned on 30 people attending, but more chairs had to be brought in and people still had to stand against the wall during the presentation.

More than 70 people attended the teach-in. By presenting the perspective of many different fields of study, McGinty said the audience could get an overall bigger picture of what global warming means to the world.

She said "Focus the Nation" was part of a national event held at more than 1,000 universities and high schools.

Heather Kohls, assistant professor of economics, said leaders are beginning to look at ways of influencing young people and how they live to help solve problems of global warming.

"We know it's global warming, we just don't know it's our fault," Kohls said.

Kohls also discussed different energy options and the problems with each.

Stephen Franzoi, professor of psychology, described global warming as a social dilemma.

"As human beings we often think selfishly," Franzoi said.

In America's individualist culture, people tend to seek short-term gratification that often leads to long-term negative consequences, Franzoi said. He said if people do nothing to break the selfish cycle of global warming, the entire world will suffer.

Gail Schumann, adjunct professor of biological sciences, addressed the impacts of global warming on food and agriculture. She said she is most concerned with how quickly things are changing.

Schumann discussed the climate changes, changing rainfall patterns and rising sea levels that result from global warming.

"Like other species, the human race has to adapt or perish," said Milton Bates, professor of English. Bates talked about the impact of literature on the issues of global warming.

Jame Schaefer, assistant professor of theology, said people's main concern should be for the common good and for future generations. She said Americans need to be more moderate in their consumption because they use more resources than other countries, meaning they contribute more to the global warming problem.

"Think of what you can do individually, at the most local level," Schaefer said.

Hannah Carrigg, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, said attending the teach-in was worthwhile. She said the diverse panel was important to show the different sides of the issue, and that environmental groups like SEAC should become more visible on campus.