The Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) held a public viewing of both “Bill Nye the Science Guy” and “Bill Nye Saves the World” on Oct. 24. Both episodes were centered around climate change, and EAC chair and second-year Ethan Quaranta led discussion on climate impact within California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) as well.
The first episode from “Bill Nye Saves the World” showed a mature side of Bill Nye. Nye still had his experiments and sense of humor, but the tone was much more mature, with an anecdotal story about rising sea levels in Venice and a panel of different climate activists.
The second episode was a trip to the past for many students who watched “Bill Nye the Science Guy” in their elementary schools.
“Bill Nye is fast, he has all sorts of energy,” Quaranta said. “He also gets information across without using technical examples and provides examples for people who don’t always understand.”
To encourage attendance, reusable Callapsi Bowls were distributed to the first 50 attendees. With popcorn and movie theater candy at the ready, the event was relatively relaxed.
“I like how it was open for anybody,” said second-year Joseph Ramos. “Anybody who’s interested, they could come in and watch.”
This environment allowed for uninhibited discussion. Each episode exemplified different explanations and consequences of climate change, which were put within the context of the Monterey region.
“Monterey’s a beautiful place, but it’s slowly getting destroyed by the climate,” Ramos said. For instance, Quaranta talked about the increase of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, causing Monterey’s sea levels to rise and the surrounding bay to acidify.
Students also brainstormed different climate-friendly initiatives that could be taken on campus. Ideas included instituting a mandatory environmental awareness course and establishing more three-compartment waste bins on campus.
“I was hoping for people, hopefully some non-science people, to come because it’s Bill Nye … they’d get lured in by that, but then also get to learn all about these environmental issues in a simplified way,” Quaranta said. He also advertised the EAC in hopes to recruit members.
“I’m very passionate about the environment, and I do want to join the committee as well,” said second-year Lianne Miron. Applications to join close on Nov. 1.