Green economy expert Antwi Akom to speak at First Friday

Mill Valley, Calif.—"Climate change" is often a buzzword in political debates, but it was one that went unuttered during the most recent presidential debates in 2012, quietly speaking volumes about the importance (or lack thereof) of the issue to policymakers. While the science behind climate change is clear, what will it take for the issue to become a greater priority? On December 6th, Dr. Antwi Akom, a green economy/climate change expert, will tackle this question and discuss how to build a climate justice movement for all as the featured speaker of the Mill Valley Public Library's December First Friday event.

Through a lecture and slide presentation, Dr. Akom will illustrate how we can bring forth an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and spiritually fulfilling world by considering climate change on local levels. Dr. Akom will discuss what local people are doing to reverse climate change; the role that young people play in building a sustainable climate justice movement; and how the practice of mindfulness--the effort of focusing one's awareness on the present moment--can bring people in closer touch with Mother Earth and help inspire them to share the planet in responsible ways.

"For climate change to become a global priority, for it to become everybody's movement, a stronger connection must be made between global warming and people's daily lives," says Dr. Akom. "The broad and vibrant response necessary to address climate change and serve as a counterweight to special interests requires the engagement of more people, from a wider array of society."

An award-winning educator, scholar, and writer, Dr. Akom is an Associate Professor of Environmental Sociology, Public Health, and STEM Education at San Francisco State University. He is also the Founding Director of the Institute for Sustainable Economic, Educational, and Environmental Design (I-SEED), which focuses on building sustainable cities and schools. His research focuses on the links between race, environmental health, and educational equity in cities and schools; the role of the green economy in facilitating pathways out of poverty for vulnerable populations; and the role of local knowledge in the production of environmental health and educational equity.

Part of the Mill Valley Public Library’s ongoing series of First Friday events, “Antwi Akom - Eco-Buddhism and Mindfulness” will take place December 6th at 7 pm in the Library’s Main Reading Room. Doors will open to registered guests at 6:30 pm for a free wine reception. Space permitting, entrance to non-registered guests will open at 6:45 pm. Entry is free and open to the public, and is limited to adults and high school students. Registration is recommended.

To register, call 415-389-4292, ext. 3 or sign up online at http://www.millvalleylibrary.org.

About the Mill Valley Public Library's First Friday Series: Debuting in January 2011 in celebration of the Mill Valley Public Library's centennial year, the ongoing First Fridays series features thought-provoking narratives, ideas, performances, and presentations. All events in the series take place after-hours in the Library's beautiful Main Reading Room.