The Intermountain Sustainability Summit at Weber State University will showcase three days of events to increase sustainability practices in business, education, government and nonprofit sectors, Feb. 28-March 2.
New this year, the summit will begin with a free performance of “Rising Tide” by the Crossroads Project. The show will blend science, music and visual images to tell the story of human impact on Earth. The performance is a collaboration between the Fry Street Quartet and physicist Rob Davies. The performance will be held in the Peery’s Egyptian Theater and is free and open to everyone ages 8 and older. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m.
“We are bringing more of the arts to the summit this year,” said Bonnie Christiansen, WSU’s Academic Sustainability coordinator. “The Crossroads Project will give the audience an appreciation for what is happening on the planet today and leave them with a powerful call to action. This performance is a creative and accessible opportunity for the community to engage in sustainability.”
The summit also will include a keynote presentation from Naomi Oreskes, a world-renowned geologist and science historian. Oreskes, a Harvard University professor, is the author of more than 100 books and articles, many of which focus on the history of science and climate change. Her book “Merchants of Doubt” explores the origins of doubting climate change. Oreskes will present March 1 at 2:30 p.m. in the Shepherd Union.
Now in its ninth year, the three-day summit has become Utah’s largest multi-topic sustainability conference. Presenters will address trends in sustainability, as well as policies, strategies and practical solutions. This year, more than 30 speakers will present on topics including local climate engagement, profitable sustainability, electric vehicles and breaking into net-zero building.
In addition to the presentations, the summit will offer four workshops. Participants can learn about effective climate communication to share environmental concerns with politicians or business leaders. Other workshops will explore how organizations can benefit from green building.
Throughout the summit, more than 30 organizations will have tables and stations set up at the Eco Expo Hall. The expo will provide information about how to live more sustainably, whether that means an individual household or an established business.
