(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)October 17, 2007

(Mahwah) – A conference and expo, GREEN MEETS GREEN:  Transitioning from “We can’t afford to be green” to “We can’t afford NOT to be green,” will be held Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1 on the campus of Ramapo College of New Jersey.  The event will be sponsored by the college’s Institute for Environmental Studies with support from a grant received from the New Jersey Bureau of Public Utilities.

The November 30 conference explores the current “climate for change arising from the urgency of our tumultuous time, bringing together the themes of global climate change, the shift to renewable energy, peak oil and the mainstreaming of green building and other elements of a sustainable society,” says Dr. Michael Edelstein, a professor of psychology at the college and coordinator of the event.  “With all the attention captured by the climate crisis, there has not been a clear discussion about what needs to be done to address it.  An attentive public awaits clear direction and feasible options.”

The conference will offer a coherent framework for addressing climate and energy solutions by advancing the transition toward a sustainable state and region through a series of keynote sessions. The first, “Leaders Setting the Agenda,” invites Governor Corzine to reflect on his current leadership in moving New Jersey into a national leadership position on the climate crisis. On July 6, 2007 the governor signed the Global Warming Response Act into law, positioning New Jersey at the forefront of the climate battle by mandating sharp cuts in the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and dramatic cuts by 2050.

He will be followed by former Governor James Florio, who will draw lessons for approaching the climate crisis from the experience of the SUPERFUND law, which he authored as a congressman to address the environmental crisis of a prior era.

The remainder of the day will be devoted to a discussion of making a fast transformation toward sustainability to meet New Jersey’s mandated 20 percent greenhouse gas reduction by 2020 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050.  Among the highlights:

• Internationally recognized architect and climate activist Edward Mazria will discuss the needed transformation of buildings and communities to achieve these targets, drawing upon thirty years of experience.
• Board of Public Utilities President Jeanne Fox will chair a session to discuss the state’s new energy policy with commentary by a diverse and distinguished panel. Breakout sessions will empower participants to develop action steps for the transition.
• A closing evening keynote event on the social changes required for a  transformation to sustainability features noted author and climate activist Bill McKibben.  He will be available to sign his new book, Deep Economy, after the program.

A GREEN EXPO and Green Holiday Boutique will open at 4:30 p.m. Friday and continue 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.  The goal is to offer a diverse selection of the best green businesses, products and services to facilitate green choices by a motivated public eager to take green actions at home and in their yards and communities. A series of brief and  informative presentations and demonstrations will be offered Saturday, along with KIDSPO, a green program for children. Next generation green vehicles will also be on display.

Another component of GREEN MEETS GREEN are two LEED training programs for professionals being offered through the U.S. Green Building Council, New Jersey chapter.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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