UF students are taking control of the conversation on climate change.
The Intellectual Decisions on Environmental Awareness Solutions club at UF is hosting the school’s first Global Divestment Day rally from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on the Plaza of the Americas.
Global Divestment Day is an international event taking place Friday and Saturday where participants suggest that large institutions, like universities and businesses, stop investing in fossil fuel companies and instead spend their money supporting clean and renewable resources.
The host organization, 350.org, has been organizing days of action on climate change since 2008, which have grown into two-day events that have spread throughout six continents for a total of about 300 events worldwide.
UF is one of the seven colleges and universities in Florida actively participating in the event.
Sarah Harper, a UF political science junior and a coordinator for the event, said I.D.E.A.S. organized the event in hopes of setting off a ripple effect in the community.
“We need to set the pace right now,” Harper, 20, said. “We need to set the momentum to get into a greener future.”
The group is teaming up with Greeks Going Green to interact with students and members of the community, share concerns and brainstorm possible solutions.
Seaton Tarrant, a UF professor of environmental ethics and politics, wrote in an email that the event is about recognizing connections among the world’s economy, environment and social systems.
“Investing in clean green technologies is a global imperative. Divesting from fossil fuels is a moral imperative,” he said. “UF’s students are willing to lead the charge on this.”
The rally will include student and guest speakers from local businesses and a Q&A.
All UF clubs and organizations are welcome to table at the event. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange, the official color of the movement.
[A version of this story ran on page 9 on 2/10/2015 under the headline “UF environmental club to rally against fossil fuels Friday"]
