On January 30-31st young people across the country will focus their collective energy on finding solutions to global warming through Focus the Nation, a non-partisan national teach-in that will inspire us all to become informed and to take action. At First Avenue Main Room, Focus Minnesota will bring together students, young adults, environmental advocates and politicians for a public conversation about Minnesota's changing climate. This event will feature an illustrated presentation by arctic explorer Will Steger, appearances by politicians and young environmental leaders, as well as live music. This free all ages event is a chance to learn more about how global warming will effect our environment and to network with local environmental organizers.

Sponsored by The Bell Museum of Natural History, The WIll Steger Foundation, The Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, Focus the Nation, Focus the U, other University of Minnesota Collegiate Partners, and Metro Transit.

This national, interactive webcast will feature Stanford climate scientist Stephen Schneider, sustainability expert Hunter Lovins, and green jobs pioneer Van Jones. Following the webcast the Bell Museum and University of Minnesota partners will present a panel discussion on local climate change solutions.

Join Will Steger, local bands and entertainers, climate movement activists and experts, and state and local politicians at 6 p.m., January 31, 2008 for "Focus Minnesota: Climate Change Solutions," a public event for all ages at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. More than 20 environmental student-based and non-profit organizations will be on hand with information and resources on global warming solutions and citizen action. The event is organized and sponsored by the University of Minnesota Bell Museum of Natural History and co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs' Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy, Focus the Nation, Focus the U and Metro Transit. Learn more about Focus the Nation at http://www.focusthenation.org/

Speakers will include:

• Explorer Will Steger
• Secretary of State Mark Ritchie

• Former Senator Mark Dayton
• Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak
• student environmental leaders from the University of Minnesota and across the Twin Cities
• Troy Gallas and Colin Kloecker of Solutions Twin Cities
• State Representative Karen Clark
• Live music and other special guests

SPONSORS:

• Bell Museum of Natural History (http://www.bellmuseum.org)
• The WIll Steger Foundation / Global Warming 101 (http://www.globalwarming101.com/)
• The Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy (http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/stpp/)
• Focus the Nation 2008 (http://www.focusthenation.org)
• Metro Transit (http://www.metrotransit.com)