The importance of climate education and action was on full display as hundreds of students from across the University of South Florida (USF) participated in 2024 USF Climate Teach-In from April 1 to 7, 2024.
As part of the Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week, the 2024 USF Climate Teach-In featured a week-long series of campuswide events, discussions, and activities designed to provide USF community members with a variety of opportunities to engage with climate education and sustainability practices.
A UNIVERSITY-WIDE EFFORT AIMED AT GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
Hosted by USF student environmental organizations and sponsored by the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College, and other community partners, the Climate Teach-In featured over 18 different events, including an art gallery featuring student work, public lectures on how to save the planet, a marine science lab, a farmers market, and more.
Now in its third year, the Climate Teach-In concept was introduced to USF by Honors faculty member Dr. Andrew Hargrove, who serves as the USF director of the initiative.
“One thing that’s really important that we’re trying to emphasize with the Climate Teach-In is that it takes everybody to solve a global problem, and that this isn’t just the responsibility of environmental scientists, legislators or people who own major corporations. This is about everybody. So whatever group or student organization you’re a part of, there is a way where your expertise or your interest can contribute to building a more sustainable future,” said Hargrove.
Hosted in the Judy Genshaft Honors College building, the Off the Wall Climate Art Gallery featured sustainability-themed student art and fashion.
Honors Professor Andrew Hargrove engages with USF students at the How to Save a Planet Public Lecture.
Hosted at the USF Marshall Student Center, the Climate Teach-In Student Research Fair allowed students to share their climate and sustainability course work and research with peers.
Events like the Climate Career and Internship Fair allowed students to connect with community partners on employment in sustainability and environmental fields.
Hosted in the Honors College’s Leona Genshaft Food and Culture studio, Brick Street Farms and Chef Rosana hosted a healthy cooking demonstration.
Students participate in experiential learning activities at events like the Microplastics Marine Science Lab with community partner Tampa Bay Watch.
Multiple student groups participated in student environmental organization GenCleo’s 5K for Climate.
Students and USF community members enjoy the outdoors at the Climate Teach-In Farmers Market.
Interested students and USF community members can visit the 2024 USF Climate Teach-In webpage for a full list of events and information on how to stay involved on and off campus.