Steger returns to talk about climate change

Will Steger, polar explorer, shared stories from his Antarctic Expedition and eyewitness accounts of global climate change with students, faculty, and local community members.

Steger discussed the issues surrounding global climate change during several lectures in Pierce Hall. On February 17 at noon, Steger spoke with integrated science students, and at 7:00 p.m. that evening with the campus and surrounding community. On February 18, Steger took part in a webcast followed by a special briefing in the Fitzwater Center. 

“The purpose is to empower the people,” said Steger. “By educating, you bring around awareness to the issue [of global warming].”

Steger gave his eyewitness account on the effects of global warming on the Polar Regions in his first presentation on February 17. He also discussed ways of trying to prevent and stop global warming.

“The way out of this economic mess is jobs. The solutions are jobs and there are millions to be created around the clean air economy,” said Steger.

According to Steger, the biggest influence he hopes to bring to students and faculty is that, in reality, global warming is a major problem. He believes that it is important for everyone to work together and take responsibility for what we have done.

“What needs to happen is after looking at the solutions, we need to work collectively and take ownership of teaching and changing our habits,” said Steger.

Freshmen Bill Weill, who attended one of Steger's lectures said, “I believe it is a very important issue. It needs to be taken under huge consideration.” 

Steger’s evening presentation more closely focused on his expedition to Antarctica. The expedition was the first non-mechanized trip and the longest crossing ever made across the continent.

“The purpose of the trip was to draw attention to the Antarctic Treaty,” said Steger. “The impact was incredible and many people watched and made a change.”

In the presentation, he showed a photo slideshow of his expedition while he talked about his inspiration for doing the trip, the issues he and his team encountered along the way, and the adventures he had.

“The presentation showed me with enough persistence and determination we could achieve what was thought to be near impossible, as well as the importance of team work and dedication to something that you have an interest in,” said Weill.

Sustainability Coordinator Michelle Comeau hopes that Steger's story, his Arctic expedition, and efforts to educate in the political arena, will allow "students to look beyond the textbook we use in class."

"[These] stories about the rate of change can be heart wrenching, but his endurance and self discipline...show us how some experiences have the ability to humble you, if you are lucky and aware, but they also have the ability to create personal change, and if you choose, global change," said Comeau.

According to Steger, his adventures have made him "more humble; a better person and educator," but believes that the students and younger generations will make the biggest impact.  

“This [the students] generation is more aware of the issue and changed their attitude about it. They accept the right way of doing things and know it’s not cool to be wasteful,” said Steger.

For more information on Will Steger and his foundation, students and faculty can visit www.willsteger.com or www.willstegerfoundation.org. 

Check out Will Steger's briefing here in the Fitzwater Center here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4oPvIfj9vc