Student-Led Discourse Takes Charge

“We organized the debate with the hopes of raising much-needed awareness to policies aiming to reduce effects on climate change, which has the potential to become the largest existential threat if we do not address it,” said Caio Lanes ’21, a co-chair of NGP.

Students and faculty members who attended the student-run event covered topics like renewable energy, fracking and the climate stance of both presidential candidates. Organizers said the lack of differing opinions did not take away from the lively conversation. EFFECT faculty advisor Courtney White and EFFECT co-chair Anastasiia Gorobets ’21 shared research and websites about conservative platforms and positions. “We believe bipartisanship is the only way we can make significant strides," Lanes explained. 

Gorobets said taking part was important to her. “I am frustrated climate change has become a partisan issue. There are lots of misconceptions about what each side thinks about climate policy, largely because the most extreme opinions tend to get the most coverage in the media.” 

White expressed pride in what she saw. “At a time when thoughtful and respectful debates are not always demonstrated by global political leaders, I see Masters students digging into research to better understand positions, listening more deeply, and remaining focused on the best possible opportunities to make positive advancements for the environment and humanity.”