Michigan Tech's World Water Day moves online

The artwork "Pathways for Reducing Emissions" by Alisa Singer, an artistic rendering of a graph that shows possible pathways to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to limit global mean temperature rise in the post-industrial era to not more than 2°C (3.6°F) -- the stated goal of the countries signing the Paris Agreement. This image is part the virtual exhibit Environmental Graphiti. (Image courtesy Michigan Tech University)

By Kelley Christensen*
Posted March 19, 2020, on Michigan Tech News
Reprinted with permission

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech will celebrate World Water Day March 23 - 24 with speakers, an art exhibit, and a poster competition -- virtually.

Just a week after moving instruction online for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester, Michigan Technological University will celebrate World Water Day in the same fashion.

World Water Day is a United Nations event celebrated annually to raise awareness of how important the stewardship of water is for humanity and other creatures. 2020 marks the 12th year Michigan Tech has joined in the celebration.

Keynote Speaker: Joellen Russell

Watch Joellen Russell’s World Water Day keynote address via Zoom: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/981199790

Keynote speaker Joellen Russell is using robot floats and supercomputers to measure the ocean and predict future climate. She will deliver the World Water Day keynote address via Zoom from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Russell is the Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair of Integrative Science and a professor of geosciences, planetary science, hydrology and atmospheric sciences and applied math at the University of Arizona. Russell’s address will be recorded so those unable to make the live event can watch it later.

Youth Speaker: Sophia Kianni

Watch Sophia Kianni’s World Water Day youth address via Zoom: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/885172643

Youth speaker Sophia Kianni will give her address about climate advocacy and her experiences as a youth leader by Zoom from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. Kianni is a youth climate activist based in Washington, D.C., working nationally with Fridays for Future USA and This is Zero Hour and internationally with Extinction Rebellion. Kianni’s address will also be recorded for those unable to make the live event.

Student Poster Competition

The virtual student poster competition is from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Participants will present their posters and judges will offer their feedback through Zoom. At this time 23 students are signed up to present posters. Students will be awarded cash prizes in the following categories: original research, coursework/informational, and a people’s choice award.

Finally, each World Water Day celebration features an art show. The World Water Day 2020 art show features Environmental Graphiti -- a series of digital paintings by Alisa Singer. Singer’s works were created to enhance public awareness of the science of climate change. Each of the 23 works of art is derived from a chart, graph, map, word or number relating to a key fact about climate change. Use the interactive campus map to take a virtual tour of the exhibit.

* Guest writer Kelley Christensen is Science and Technology Publications Writer, Michigan Tech University Marketing and Communications.

Insert photos: Joellen Russell and Sophia Kianni. (Photos courtesy Michigan Tech University)