UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Sustainability (SustainPSU) is bringing climate author and reporter Geoff Dembicki to the University Park campus Feb. 8-10 as part of its Sustainability Showcase Series. Dembicki will participate in a variety of in-person and virtual events, open to both the Penn State community and the public, focused on discourse about climate change in society and its impacts on public perception and elections.
“I am delighted to partner with Mr. Dembicki and to have him bring his expertise on the legacies of climate denial and the importance of climate communication and action at a time when it feels more valuable than ever,” said Grant Rowe, sustainability programming coordinator with SustainPSU.
Dembicki’s reporting on energy, politics and the history of the climate movement regularly appears in many media outlets including VICE and The Guardian. He is also the author of two award-winning books, "Are We Screwed?" and "The Petroleum Papers: Inside the Far-Right Conspiracy to Cover Up Climate Change."
Key events during Dembicki’s visit that are open to students and the public include:
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Feb. 8, noon-1:30 p.m. — "Climate Disinformation and the 2024 Election," a lecture in Foster Auditorium, Paterno Library. Dembicki will present the fascinating and infuriating history of industry-backed efforts to block climate action, explain the key players and communication strategies at work related to climate issues leading up to November's vote, and give advice on how communities in favor of green jobs and a livable climate can mobilize. Register here to attend this event; walk-ins welcome.
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Feb. 10, noon-1:30 p.m. — A virtual writing workshop open to all Penn State students at all campuses and any major interested in improving their writing skills, getting tips for pitching ideas to publishers, and learning more about how to get published. Interested students can register here. Please be aware that space is limited.
Since 2017, the Sustainability Showcase Series has helped build a community around sustainability across Penn State campuses and surrounding communities by inviting more than 100 leaders in environmental and social justice to share their expertise. Originally focused on talks, since 2023 the program has shifted to bringing experts for longer, more interactive visits to engage multiple audiences and offer workshops to help students build skills and competencies. A key goal of the series is to highlight the Sustainable Development Goals, the 17 goals agreed upon by more than 192 nations to create a sustainable economic, social and environmental future for all by 2030.
Additional information about all SustainPSU’s upcoming events, including additional events with Dembicki, can be found at sustainability.psu.edu/events/.
For more information or if you are interested in partnering to invite a future Showcase Speaker, contact SustainPSU’s programming coordinator, Grant Rowe, at ger5277@psu.edu.