ALLIANCE – Students in POL 120, World Politics are participating in a community engaged learning assignment that includes research, advocacy and philanthropy components, with one of the groups hosting an expert panel on environmental policy, deforestation and climate change on November 10 at 7 p.m.

Students in the course are split into small groups tasked with outreach related to various social issues and one group chose to raise awareness about deforestation while raising funds for the National Forest Foundation. They are encouraging donation to the foundation and hosting the panel discussion.

Moderated by Mount Union senior, Josh Palmer the panel will include Dr. Lori Kumler, Dr. Dan Herms, vice president of research and development for the Davey Tree Expert Company and Dr. Geoffrey Dabelko, professor and associate dean of The Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service at Ohio University. It will take place in Bracy Hall room L04 at 7 p.m. No tickets are required, and the event is open to the public.

"Climate change is the most pressing transnational issue of our time, requiring urgent action and a comprehensive response, and trees provide perhaps the best natural countermeasure to human emissions," said Palmer. "It is critical that we raise awareness for such an issue, doing what we can to educate others, while providing support to organizations such as the National Forest Foundation that can provide tangible protection for the one planet we call home."

"In class, we survey many of the issues plaguing the world. This project allows students to delve more deeply into the issues we are dealing with and help to make, at least, a bit of difference," said Dr. Michael Grossman, professor of political science and co-chair of the Department of Social Sciences. "We note in class that most of the world’s problems were created by people, and it is up to us to solve them."

Other students in the group coordinating the event are Nick Nettleton, Mikey Cromwell, Austin Ryder, Claudia Palmer, Tom Swanson, Nolan Kibler and Owen Zundell. The Regula Center at Mount Union will be sponsoring refreshments following the event.

“We are excited by the number of courses that have a service or advocacy component and are proud of our students and faculty,” said Abby Schroeder, director of the Regula Center. “Giving students the opportunity to plan an event, reach out to experts and ultimately create positive change is what makes Mount Union courses so engaging as they carry out our mission.”