UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, marking the day in 1970 when 20 million Americans, roughly one in 10 nationwide, demonstrated against the deteriorating state of the environment due to pollution and other human-related activity.
Earth Day was originally envisioned as a teach-in across college campuses and while many colleges and organizations across Penn State had planned in-person Earth Day activities similar to those held in 1970, social distancing measures in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic have shifted this year’s celebration to a virtual one. While the events will not take place in-person, the following online offerings present the opportunity for broader participation across all Penn State campuses and their surrounding communities.
- All week: #PSUEarthWeek 50 for 50 Pledge: The Sustainability Institute at Penn State is collecting pledges of action that promote a healthier planet, happier lives and a more peaceful and equitable world. A selection of pledges will be shared on social media on Earth Day and the following week.
- April 21 at 12 p.m.: Water Insights Seminar with Hongxing Liu: Hongxing Liu, Assistant Professor of Economics Lafayette College will present best ‘Management Practices and Nutrient Reduction: An Integrated Economic-Hydrologic Model of the Lake Erie Basin,’ hosted by Environment and Natural Resources Institute, College of Agricultural Sciences
- April 22 at 12 p.m.: Climate and Carbon Challenges at Penn State: The Sustainability Institute will host a virtual lunch break presentation on "Climate and Carbon Challenges at Penn State," at noon on April 22 via Zoom. The information session will feature panelists from several groups around the University who will discuss initiatives and efforts related to carbon reduction strategies and climate action at Penn State. Registration required.
- April 22 at 1 p.m.: Grounded: Environments in Flux Palmer Museum of Art Virtual Gallery Talk: Join the Palmer Museum of Art for a gallery talk with Melissa Leaym-Fernandez, Ph.D. Candidate in Art Education and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Connect remotely to see images and hear curators’ comments. Participate with real-time Q&A.
- April 22 at 8 p.m.: University Park’s Student Programming Association will present “SPA Goes Greener,” a live event on Instagram featuring musical and creative performances by students. Tune into @psuspa to watch.
- April 23 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.: Safe Drinking Water Clinic Webinar: Over one million homes and farms in Pennsylvania get their drinking water from a private well or spring. The Safe Drinking Water Clinic Webinar is designed for people who manage one of these private drinking water supplies. Attendees will learn how to test and protect their well or spring, and when water treatment might make sense. Hosted by Penn State Extension.
- April 24 at 12 p.m.: Sustainability Showcase: Mark Brennan- Ensuring Youth Voice in Program and Policy: Implications for Advancing SDG’s: The Council of Sustainable Leaders and the Sustainability Institute will host a virtual lunch break on Friday with Mark Brennan, College of Agricultural Sciences Professor and UNESCO Chair for Community, Leadership, and Youth Development and Professor of Leadership and Community Development at the Pennsylvania State University.
All events are free and open to the Penn State community and public. For an updated listing of events related to sustainability at Penn State, visit https://sustainability.psu.edu/calendar. If your unit or college is hosting an event you’d like to share, email ajs397@psu.edu for inclusion in the SI calendar of events.