Placer County Youth Commission’s Madeline Cramer & Mackenzie Kettwig

Auburn, Calif. August 19, 2019 – On Thursday, September 12 at 7pm, the Auburn State Theatre will present “Think Globally, Act Locally: The State of the Climate”. This project is a collaboration with Placer County Youth Commission and community sponsors. The event will feature internationally recognized climate scientist Dana Nuccitelli as well as local policy makers and climate activists. Tickets for this event can be purchased at the box office or online at livefromauburn.com

The Placer County Youth Commission (PCYC) is a formal commission appointed by the Placer County Board of Supervisors. This group of motivated teens researches youth issues and concerns, advises local policy makers, and engages the community through events. Mackenzie Kettwig, senior at Colfax High School and President of the PCYC, explained the importance of this event. “Climate change is going to affect everyone on this planet. It’s especially going to hurt our younger generations, who want a future for themselves. I’m hoping that as a result of this event, our local community will set an example for neighboring communities that will inspire change. It could create a domino effect with communities making changes that really add up.”

The agenda for the evening is designed to shift the collective mindset around global warming from confusion, avoidance, overwhelm, guilt and denial to one of empowered knowledge and optimism. Dana Nuccitelli will speak about climate science, myths, impacts on California’s extreme weather, economics, and policy solutions.

Dana has gained international respect through his numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and through his book Climatology versus Pseudoscience. He has written about climate science for SkepticalScience.com since 2010, for The Guardian since 2013, and for Yale Climate Connections since 2018. After his presentation, local climate policy makers along with other influential community leaders and activists will join Dana onstage for a panel discussion about the issue and next steps. The key theme will be how we (individually and together) can create a community that inspires, facilitates and celebrates actions that reduce greenhouse gasses.

Community leaders who are scheduled to appear are Auburn Mayor Cheryl Maki and a leader of 350Placer.org, one of the event’s sponsors. 350 Placer is a group of local residents committed to bringing our current carbon level down to 350 parts per million, which thought to be the safe and sustainable amount for life on our planet. We are currently at 414 parts per million. Additional panelists are expected.

With less than eleven years left to protect the planet from irreversible damage, many youth are feeling the urgency of the situation, while also dealing with feelings of anxiety and distress. “We hope the entire community will support the youth and attend this event. It’s inspirational to be part of it, we have teenagers planning this event alongside octogenarians.” said Kara Sutter, member of the multigenerational organizing team. “This evening is intended to make participants feel energized, supported, and connected to their community.”

Young people report that their feelings of worry about their future world are often exacerbated when they are dismissed as being ignorant, uninformed, or apathetic when in reality they can be more knowledgeable and passionate than adults. They understand that the longer humans wait to make changes that significantly reduce greenhouse gasses, the more drastic and disruptive the solutions will need to be to lower the odds that they will inherit a livable planet.

“Don’t miss this chance to listen, learn, give input, and meet fellow concerned community members. Do upcoming generations proud and remember – the world is run by those who show up,” said Madeline Cramer, PCYC Commissioner and senior at Colfax High School.

The event will be located at 985 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603. Tickets can be purchased at livefromauburn.com. They are $8 for adults and $6 for students. Limited scholarships are available. More information can be found on the website of one of the event’s sponsors, 350Placer.org, on Facebook at Placer Climate Action and on Instagram @ placerclimateaction.