USF Students and Community do their part for 10-10-10 Day of International Climate Action

By Lance Orchid on Tue, Oct 12, 2010 at 1:55 pm

[image-1]“Young people have the most to lose from the climate crisis,” said Chris Hastings, a USF Campus Coordinator for Repower America. “There are solutions as big as our problems, and the thousands demonstrating across the globe in support of clean energy and climate action shows people understand the size and scope of our challenge.”

Immediately following the ceremony, a group of students rode their bikes down 4th Street South to the main event at Little Bayou Wilderness Park (301 55th Ave. S). Everyone involved then celebrated all the work that it took the dedicated citizens to restore this park to the beautiful green space it is today.

Attendees helped in the continuing clean-up and invasive plant removal at the park and toured the urban forest. Native slash pines and coonties were given away. Pines are the original tree canopy of Pinellas County, which translates to “Pine Island”, and absorb more CO2 than most mature trees.

[image-2]Participants wrote climate songs, listened to the fabulous music of the Urban Gypsies -- a true St. Petersburg treasure -- and had free bike tune-ups and a raffle. Solar Source's mobile training unit provided the off-grid power for the band.

This event was focused on raising awareness of the climate change crisis and rising to the challenge, one project at a time.

Images courtesy of Repower America Florida and the Suncoast Sierra Club.

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Students from the USF St. Petersburg Student Environmental Awareness Society and Repower America Florida did their part this past Sunday, October 10th, for 350 Day, an international day of action for climate change. Ten thirty-gallon native trees were planted on campus and dedicated for 10-10-10. Five trees were sponsored by five environmental organizations in the community including: Sierra Club, Repower America, Defenders of Wildlife, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, 1Sky and Solar Source/F.A.R.E., and the other five trees were sponsored by campus clubs. The students believe the event will contribute to the restoration of the urban forest leading to reduced carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

“The trees will serve as a lasting symbol of the community and campus’ commitment to rising to solve the climate crisis,” said Kira Barrera, community outreach coordinator for S.E.A.S. USF St. Petersburg, and Sierra Club activist.