Following Naomi Klein’s talk in Spring 2020, The Climate Action Capacity Project, funded by the Erol Foundation, is thrilled to host, in collaboration with groups across campus, this critical event on Nov 12th from 6-7:30pm!
When climate change looms large, the pandemic has no definitive end in sight, racism and racial injustices continue to compound, the US election is uncertain, and everything feels overwhelming, what do you do? How do you find your way to meaningful action? Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine Wilkinson will join us virtually for a special conversation about their experiences and draw on insights from their new book, “All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis,“ a collection of essays by women spanning backgrounds, approaches, and generations at the forefront of the climate movement.
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and Brooklyn native. She is founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and founder and CEO of Ocean Collectiv , a consulting firm for conservation solutions. Johnson is the co-host of Gimlet Media’s How to Save a Planet, co-created the Blue New Deal, and has written and presented widely on hope, strategy, and the intersections of race, racism and the climate crisis.
Dr. Katharine Keeble Wilkinson is an author, strategist, and teacher working to heal the planet we call home. Her writings include The Drawdown Review (2020), the New York Times bestseller Drawdown (2017), and Between God & Green (2012), which The Boston Globe dubbed “a vitally important, even subversive, story.” She is a vice president at Project Drawdown, where she leads the organization’s editorial, creative, and communication work on climate solutions. She recently launched the “A Matter of Degrees” podcast.
Cosponsors include: MCAB, Franklin Environmental Center, SNEG, New Perrenials Project, Innovation Hub, among others.
Join us for three film screenings in the Water, Power, and Justice Film Series where we will watch and discuss documentaries focused on water contamination in marginalized communities across North America, and the World.
Flint: The Poisoning of an American City
Date: March 30th at 7pm
This documentary follows the events before, during, and after the Flint water crisis in 2014. It sheds light on the environmental neglect and environmental racism that occurred during this crisis and the effects that this abuse had on the individuals in Flint. Many of us are aware of the Flint water crisis, but this documentary lets us into the homes and lives of the people living there and combines interviews with residents, experts, and committee hearings to dig deeper into the crisis.
There’s Something in the Water
Date: April 26, 7-9pm
This Canadian documentary highlights three communities deeply affected by the rampant environmental racism present in Nova Scotia. Elliot Page (the producer and director) speaks with Black and Indigenous women about how the pollution of their water has affected their families, friends, and neighborhood, and dives into why the outrageous health effects have been left unaddressed by the government.
Flow: For the Love of Water
Date: May 18, 7-9pm
This 2008 documentary focuses on the global water crisis, water privatization, and pollution. Through interviews with activists, experts, and communities world-wide, Flow highlights the issues of agricultural pollutants and massive corporations controlling local water resources. Although this is a relatively old film, it introduces topics that are still relevant and pervasive today.
ENVS 0401 B Community Engaged Practicum Student Presentations: Climate Vulnerability and Environmental Health Disparities
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the PublicLast year’s “Dreaming Into Being” Circles with Carolyn Finney and Sophia Calvi invited Midd community members to question: what is the world we want to live in? How can we cultivate a stronger sense of connection to self, each other, and the planet? This year, Carolyn, Sophia, and Tara Federoff are reviving these circles to continue our conversation and exploration into what holistic sustainability really means in the world that we live in today and what better, more just, and holistic futures look like.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the PublicENVS 0401 A Community Engaged Practicum Student Presentations: Inclusive Paths Forward: Navigating a Sustainable Decarbonized Future for All
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the PublicLast year’s “Dreaming Into Being” Circles with Carolyn Finney and Sophia Calvi invited Midd community members to question: what is the world we want to live in? How can we cultivate a stronger sense of connection to self, each other, and the planet? This year, Carolyn, Sophia, and Tara Federoff are reviving these circles to continue our conversation and exploration into what holistic sustainability really means in the world that we live in today and what better, more just, and holistic futures look like.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the Public
Capital Markets Meet the Environmental Markets: The Importance of Private Finance in Accelerating our Transition to Clean Energy
Jack Klinck ’85, P’17.5 & ’20 will return to campus for a conversation moderated by students Emma Binks ‘23.5 (Environmental Economics) and Arjun Kumar ‘25.5 (International and Global Studies). They will discuss how capital market infrastructure can be leveraged to propel us towards a quicker and just transition to a carbon free world.
Dana Auditorium (Sunderland Language Center)
Open to the PublicLast year’s “Dreaming Into Being” Circles with Carolyn Finney and Sophia Calvi invited Midd community members to question: what is the world we want to live in? How can we cultivate a stronger sense of connection to self, each other, and the planet? This year, Carolyn, Sophia, and Tara Federoff are reviving these circles to continue our conversation and exploration into what holistic sustainability really means in the world that we live in today and what better, more just, and holistic futures look like.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the Public
Environmental Studies Colloquium Series talk by Christopher Brooks, J.D., MELP, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Policy, University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the Public
Join us for a screening of the much-buzzed about film, “The Oil Machine,” followed by a Q&A with Director, Emma Davie. Facilitated by James Sanchez.
Oil has been an invisible machine at the core of our economy and society. It now faces an uncertain future as activists and investors demand change. Is this the end of oil?
Dana Auditorium (Sunderland Language Center)
Open to the PublicLast year’s “Dreaming Into Being” Circles with Carolyn Finney and Sophia Calvi invited Midd community members to question: what is the world we want to live in? How can we cultivate a stronger sense of connection to self, each other, and the planet? This year, Carolyn, Sophia, and Tara Federoff are reviving these circles to continue our conversation and exploration into what holistic sustainability really means in the world that we live in today and what better, more just, and holistic futures look like.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the PublicCome meet fellow Environmental Studies majors, minors, and faculty. Learn more about the major and opportunities in the program and get any questions answered prior to spring registration. Prospective majors and minors are also encouraged to attend. Apples, cider, and cider doughnuts will be served.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the Public
Tea, snacks, and poetry reading from Climate Action fellow Marlow Saucier’s much anticipated Zine!
Come to listen, stay to share your own art, ideas, and passions. Let us ponder together how we will create meaning and beauty in these times.
Gifford Gamut Room
Molly Costanza-Robinson, Professor of Environmental Studies and Chemistry and Biochemistry
Rebecca Gould, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
Jon Isham, Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the PublicLast year’s “Dreaming Into Being” Circles with Carolyn Finney and Sophia Calvi invited Midd community members to question: what is the world we want to live in? How can we cultivate a stronger sense of connection to self, each other, and the planet? This year, Carolyn, Sophia, and Tara Federoff are reviving these circles to continue our conversation and exploration into what holistic sustainability really means in the world that we live in today and what better, more just, and holistic futures look like.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the Public
Come hear alums share their insights on the graduate school application and selection process. Panelists will represent diverse areas of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and related interdisciplinary fields, as well as myriad grad years and career aspirations. The session will be moderated by Professor Molly Costanza-Robinson (Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Program for Environmental Studies).
No registration necessary.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the Public
The Climate Action Program and Vermont Releaf Collective (@vtreleafcollective) is happy to announce that we are co-hosting a FREE screening with FREE food (from @donaalejandratacos) of the documentary, Dolores (2016)!
Thursday Oct 26, 5:30-8:45 PM.
RSVP right here.
Directions to AXN 232 available in the RSVP link.
Axinn Center 232
Open to the Public
“The Texture of Landscape” Environmental Studies Colloquium Series talk by Nancy Winship Milliken, Environmental Artist.
What is Celebratory Ecology? How do we memorialize a global event, such as climate change, that seemingly has no end? Where are the nature-centric monuments? Nancy shares her open studio approach that holds these questions at the center of her practice.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the Public
Chuck Collins is coming to campus this fall! He is the Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies in DC, and the author of a new book, Altar to an Erupting Sun. The book has won praise from Bill McKibben, Kim Stanley Robinson and Winona LaDuke, among others, and asks us to confront our moral obligations to act in the face of climate change.
Dana Auditorium (Sunderland Language Center)
Open to the PublicThe Green Mountain Club’s Bread Loaf Section and the Environmental Studies program present a talk on “Living with Bears” by Vermont Fish and Wildlife Bear Technician, Molly Byrne, “Living with Bears” will help us better understand our ursine neighbors and provide general information about bear ecology and behavior with a focus on their life cycle and food needs.
Twilight Auditorium 101
Open to the PublicLast year’s “Dreaming Into Being” Circles with Carolyn Finney and Sophia Calvi invited Midd community members to question: what is the world we want to live in? How can we cultivate a stronger sense of connection to self, each other, and the planet? This year, Carolyn, Sophia, and Tara Federoff are reviving these circles to continue our conversation and exploration into what holistic sustainability really means in the world that we live in today and what better, more just, and holistic futures look like.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the Public
“Beavers: A Tremendous Potential Ally” an Environmental Studies Colloquium Series talk by Skip Lisle, M.S. Wildlife, Habitat, and Beaver Biologist, and President of Beaver Deceivers, LLC.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the Public
Documentary film screening of Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire followed by panel discussion and Q&A session with film director, experts interviewed in the film, and local experts from Middlebury.
Dana Auditorium (Sunderland Language Center)
Closed to the Public
Writer and conservationist Adam Welz will read from his new book, The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown, and speak of his reporting about the effects of climate change on wild species and natural ecosystems around the world. A deeply researched exploration of wild species reacting to climate breakdown, The End of Eden offers a radical new kind of environmental journalism that connects humans to nature in a more empathetic way than ever before and galvanizes us to act in defense of the natural world before it’s too late.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the Public
“Listening to a changing world: what soundscapes can teach us” an Environmental Studies Colloquium Series talk by Megan McKenna, Academic Director of Study Away at Monterey, including California Coast and Climate Semester, Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Senior Data Scientist, affiliate with NOAA National Center for Environmental Information.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the PublicLast year’s “Dreaming Into Being” Circles with Carolyn Finney and Sophia Calvi invited Midd community members to question: what is the world we want to live in? How can we cultivate a stronger sense of connection to self, each other, and the planet? This year, Carolyn, Sophia, and Tara Federoff are reviving these circles to continue our conversation and exploration into what holistic sustainability really means in the world that we live in today and what better, more just, and holistic futures look like.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the Public
First Show: Look, Dream, Begin, is a series of brand new, short plays from around the world interwoven into an inventive, truthful, and life-affirming piece about what it means to dream up a future during climate crisis.
Hepburn Zoo
Open to the Public
First Show: Look, Dream, Begin, is a series of brand new, short plays from around the world interwoven into an inventive, truthful, and life-affirming piece about what it means to dream up a future during climate crisis.
Hepburn Zoo
Open to the Public
First Show: Look, Dream, Begin, is a series of brand new, short plays from around the world interwoven into an inventive, truthful, and life-affirming piece about what it means to dream up a future during climate crisis.
Hepburn Zoo
Open to the Public
First Show: Look, Dream, Begin, is a series of brand new, short plays from around the world interwoven into an inventive, truthful, and life-affirming piece about what it means to dream up a future during climate crisis.
Hepburn Zoo
Open to the PublicLast year’s “Dreaming Into Being” Circles with Carolyn Finney and Sophia Calvi invited Midd community members to question: what is the world we want to live in? How can we cultivate a stronger sense of connection to self, each other, and the planet? This year, Carolyn, Sophia, and Tara Federoff are reviving these circles to continue our conversation and exploration into what holistic sustainability really means in the world that we live in today and what better, more just, and holistic futures look like.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the Public
The Knoll welcomes Writer in Residence Emerita, award-winning Dominican-American novelist, poet, and writer Julia Alvarez, for an immersive poetry workshop at the Knoll. In case of location change due to weather, please visit go/knollhours/ for up-to-date information.
The Knoll
Closed to the Public
We’re delighted to release our community sourced book filled with memories, photos, art, and poetry submitted by 60+ alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends. Light refreshments provided, followed by a short program and readings from contributors.
Axinn Center Abernethy Room (221)
Open to the Public
Meet at the front porch of Franklin Environmental Center at Hillcrest to join the popular Fall Family Weekend Campus Tree Tour led by passionate Middlebury horticulturalist and tree expert Tim Parsons. Learn fun facts and hear stories about various trees around campus. Tim will also explain how he manages our rural Vermont campus as an urban forest.
Check out Tim Parson’s blog, The Middlebury Landscape, or follow Tim on Instagram.
Middlebury College
Closed to the PublicOpen to the Public
Welcome back Middlebury students, staff and faculty! Join the Sustainability & Environmental Affairs team for a gathering in the Franklin Environmental Center at Hillcrest courtyard to reconnect, share snacks, and ignite exciting collaborations in the realm of sustainability and climate action for the new academic year. Bring your team and/or friends and spread the word!
Rain location: The Orchard, Franklin Env Center 103
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the PublicEnvironmental Studies Department Reception for Graduating Seniors and their guests.
Atwater Dining Hall
“Flags of (In)Convenience: What Illegal Fishing Within Madagascar’s Marine Protected Areas Reveals About Food Sovereignty and Resource Security” an Environmental Studies senior thesis presentation by Victoria Andrews ‘23, Environmental Policy major.
Presentation will take place at 4:30pm followed by Q&A with the audience.
Axinn Center 220
Open to the PublicENVS 0401 B Community Engaged Practicum Student Presentations: Cultivating imagination and creativity in the face of intractable environmental challenges.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the PublicENVS 0401 A Community Engaged Practicum Student Presentations: How Vermont’s Environmental Justice Act informs equitable pathways for addressing community climate, energy, and health needs.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the PublicThe event will delve into the role of Islam in promoting environmental stewardship and how it can inspire individuals to take action towards a more sustainable future.
McCardell Bicentennial Hall 216
Open to the Public
Join Dr. Carolyn Finney, Artist-in-Residence, Environmental Affairs, for a unique presentation that brings her life in conversation with historic figures and contemporary issues. Central Park birder Christian Cooper. George Floyd. The removal of Confederate Statues. Renaming of institutions. Reparations. Systemic Racism. Finney asks, what’s environment got to do with it? How do we meet this moment? Drawing from her book, Black Faces, White Spaces, her relationships “in the field” and her lived experience, Dr.
Axinn Center 232
Open to the Public
Ibiyinka Olufemi Alao, Nigeria’s art ambassador to the United Nations, visual artist, filmmaker, architect and author will lead a visual art (painting) workshop as part of the Art vs the Apocalypse event. Alao’s paintings center redemption, peace and love, and lately reflect a long-standing fascination with fireflies. Materials provided. Open to Middlebury College students.
Please Register Here
Mahaney Arts Center 221
Closed to the Public
Kaleidoscope: Multi Media Student Exhibit & Performance Night
Dana Auditorium (Sunderland Language Center)
Open to the Public
Join us for a dynamic conversation with guest speakers and community members about how art can reflect, engage, and resist apocalyptic ideas and futures.
Mahaney Arts Center Seeler Studio Theatre
Open to the Public
“Empire of My Fireflies” by Ibiyinka Olufemi Alao, First-Place Winner of the United Nations International Art Competition and Nigeria’s Arts Ambassador to the United Nations and United States.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the Public
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Closed to the Public
What is the world we want to live in? The world we are already living into! How can we cultivate a stronger sense of connection to self, each other and the planet? Curious? Let’s talk! Join Carolyn Finney, Artist-in-Residence, and Sophia Calvi ‘03.5, Director of Programming, Franklin Environmental Center, for the third of three discussions they will host during spring semester.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the Public
Advancing Climate Solutions through Venture Capital - the vital role of early-stage investment in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement
Peter Hirsch ‘12, Head of Sustainability at 2150, a climate tech-oriented venture capital firm in London, will return to campus for a conversation moderated by students Kavina Amin ‘24 (Economics and History) and Gianna Palli ‘23.5 (Art History and Economics).
Dana Auditorium (Sunderland Language Center)
Open to the Public
“Highways and Habitats – Road Ecology and Habitat Connectivity in Vermont” by Chris Slesar, Environmental Resources Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Transportation.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the Public
The 2023 Scott A. Margolin ‘99 Lecture in Environmental Affairs presents Elizabeth Rush, author of The Quickening: On Motherhood and Antarctica in the Twenty First Century and Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
On Rising Together: Collective and creative responses to the climate crisis
Dana Auditorium (Sunderland Language Center)
Open to the Public
“Climate Theatre: Stories of Kinship, Community, and Climate Justice” by Theresa May, Faculty of Theatre, Environment and Indigenous Studies at the University of Oregon, and Artistic Director of the EMOS Ecodrama Playwrights Festival.
Franklin Environmental Center, The Orchard-Hillcrest 103
Open to the Public
