Ecology program at Danes Hall
Three Waupaca High School graduates will share their perspectives on climate change during a Monday, Jan. 20 program, at Danes Hall of Waupaca.
The discussion will run from 6-7:30 p.m.
It is the second in a series of ecological presentations.
Michael Koehler, of Danes Hall, is sponsoring the series.
Sophia Butkiewicz, Maxwell Johnson and Grace Koch will present the panel discussion.
Butkiewicz
Butkiewicz is studying Spanish and biology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
She just finished a semester abroad at Universidad de Costa Rica.
Butkiewicz also has an internship melding conservation work with agriculture.
She plans to discuss ecosystems, biodiversity and agriculture.
While the topics may seem relatively unrelated, Butkiewicz believes they highlight the complexity of climate change and the importance of taking an inclusive approach when trying to address the issues.
She is the daughter of Kari Esbensen and Russ Butkiewicz.
Esbensen, of the Oz Natural Area and Biodiversity Education Center, and Jane Haasch, of Greater Waupaca Area Parks and Trails, are organizing the ecological presentations.
Johnson
Johnson is a senior at UW-Stevens Point, where he is double majoring in political science, with an interest in environmental policy, and philosophy, with an environmental ethics emphasis.
He grew up in Rural, and his perspective on climate change is a political one.
Johnson likes to focus on local action and education on climate change instead of international agreements and melting sea ice.
He sees the solutions as being numerous and necessary, and is most interested in smart/micro grids, renewable energy and transportation. Environmental and economic impacts are being seen today, but there will be ethical and endemic consequences for generations to come, he says.
Johnson is the son of Stacia Fields and Chris Johnson.
Koch
Koch is a junior at UW-La Crosse, where she will graduate with a major in biolgoy and minor in environmental studies.
While studying in Scotland last semester, she found a passion for studying environmental issues on climate change.
Koch plans to discuss issues surrounding environmental justice.
She believes it is important to recognize climate change is already affecting many groups of people around the world.
Her part of the presentation will include bringing information about mitigation techniques and how they can create environmental injustice. Koch is the daughter of Robin and Michael Koch.
Danes Hall is located at 301 N. Main St.
People may access the elevator to the third floor from the first or second floor entrances.
If there is bad weather, the presentation will take place on Monday, Jan. 27, with the change announced on WDUX (92.7), WAUP (99.1) and WILW (96.3).
The plan is to continue offering programs once a month.
People may email comments and input to [email protected].