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Gonzaga To Debut New Climate Center On Earth Day

Courtesy of Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University this week will formally announce a new center devoted to studying and teaching about climate change.

The new Gonzaga Center for Climate, Society and the Environment will, appropriately enough, get its public unveiling on Thursday, Earth Day. Its director, Dr. Brian Henning, is a professor of philosophy and environmental studies who says the center fits the university’s commitment to social and environmental justice.

“Over time we really hope to provide a constructive role in encouraging community members to continue to improve on taking the challenge of climate change seriously as we need to plan for our community to be resilient to the changes and to plan for the future that’s coming to us," he said.

Henning says the center has already begun with its first initiative, the Climate Literacy Project with its partner, Educational Service District 101. He says he and others associated with the center have led workshops for more than 100 secondary level science teachers.

"They know biology. They know chemistry. They know physics. But they didn’t necessarily have an opportunity to explore how that science background intersects with climate change. We provided basic orientation to make sure they understand the key drivers of how climate change works," Henning said.

The new climate center will hold a public virtual launch event Thursday at 3:30. You can registerat Gonzaga’s website.