Alumni groups united by global climate change

March 15, 2008--Alumni of Tufts and Johns Hopkins are bringing together leading experts in academia and industry to share perspectives about climate change and green technology.

Believed to also be the first carbon-neutral alumni program, "Power of Green: Clean Technology and Climate Change," takes place on April 16 at the Fletcher School, and reflects a common interest of the Boston Tufts Alliance and the Boston chapter of The Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association.

Speakers will discuss a wide range of environmental topics, while entrepreneurs and business leaders showcase advanced solutions. Speakers are:

• Professor William Moomaw, director, Center for International Environment and Resource Policy, The Fletcher School, Tufts University;
• Davis Bookhart, director of the Sustainability Initiative, Johns Hopkins;
• Jim Gordon, President, Cape Wind;
• Bill Davis, President & CEO, Ze-Gen; and
• Mitch Tyson, CEO & Director, Advanced Electron Beams

"This is a chance to not only hear from world-renowned experts on climate change, but also a great opportunity to hear first hand from the people that have solutions to our most pressing problems," said BTA steering committee Joe Mead, A05, who co-planned the event with John Barrett, A88. "It's analogous to a 'second step.' The panelists not only have an abiding interest in protecting our planet, but also have built sound technology and business to combat anthropogenic climate change."

Planners are also demonstrating their own keen commitment to green practices. "Power of Green" may well be the first Tufts alumni carbon-neutral event; carbon offsets will be purchased to balance the carbon emissions used for those traveling to the event both by car and by plane. Even refreshments will be "environmentally friendly" as caterer Basil Tree (owned by Tufts graduate Valerie Shulock, J83), uses recycled paper goods and biodegradable plastic alternatives, recycles, offers a wide selection of vegetarian options, and carries organic fair-trade coffee.

"We are very excited about this event," said Samantha Snitow, A02, a staff liaison in the Office of Alumni Relations to the Boston Tufts Alliance. "It exemplifies how partnering with other alumni groups provides opportunities that can result in such exceptional programming."