Members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, UVU Rotaractors, Congressman Bob Ingles and Bill Barron pose for a picture.
On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Utah Valley University (UVU) Rotaractors Stephan Atkinson, Christ Louyoko, Mary Cisneros and I, hosted the Honorable Bob Inglis (R-SC), who was accompanied by Mr Bill Barron from the Climate Change Coalition branch of Utah, in a meaningful discussion about climate change vision from the conservative point of view. Through the Student Engaged Learning (SEL) model, this meeting was put together and executed by student leaders. In an intimate conversation Mr Inglis shared with the UVU students and members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary club, his journey from being non receptive of the severity of climate change, to becoming a champion for the cause in the Republican party.
Kathy Ambrose, Orem-Lindon Rotary member, shares a message with the group.
Mr Inglis told participants that the focus of the organization RepublicEn has been more focused on the coastal cities of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. As the sea level rises and the earth gets warmer, it has never been more clear the need for climate change policies. The biggest struggle Mr Inglis faced in his time as Congressman for South Carolina in 1993-1999 and also 2005-2011, he expressed that the problem stems from unclear barriers of communication. In a polarized political environment that continues to be polarized even more, the issue of climate change is either described as doomsday or non-existent. Mr Inglis voiced that in order for both sides of the aisles (Democrats and Republicans) to work together for this international crisis, climate change discourse must be conducted in such language that people on the right can understand.
Christ Louyoko, UVU Rotaractor, monitors the live stream as Congressman Bob Ingles shares his insight.
His vision for climate change includes acting fast and encouraging a collaboration of politicians. It begins with taking accountability for the side effects; the problems of economics that affect the environment. Then leading to providing education and knowledge for all but especially conservatives to understand. Mr Inglis urges that a change in the political environment is much needed and the US will lead the change. While his focus is more on the oceans and disappearing shorelines, UVU Rotaractors were able to share the focus of their work on mountain communities. Intrigued by our efforts in advocating for mountain communities at our trips to the United Nations in New York, he came to the conclusion that Utah is uniquely equipped to lead the movement in climate change. With a somewhat harmonious societal cohesion, pioneering history, the need for others to get involved, and the LDS church’s preparation for the future can be a beginning structure for the rest of the nation to follow.
Stephan Atkinson, UVU Rotaractor, shares his experience of advocating for climate change.
In Mr Inglis agenda of speaking engagements, he had the opportunity of visiting the Rotary clubs in Salt Lake, where he was highly impressed with the Four Way test and the values and morales it encourages. From his visits he believes that the solutions we are looking for can be found with Rotary as a great opportunity. In closing remarks, Mr Inglis expressed that students, like UVU Rotaractors, can achieve climate change by working together and finding compromise. If a world wide price on carbon dioxide was imposed, adding the cost of burning fossil fuels into pricing, displaying the true cost. It could change the approach of our carbon dioxide production.
I invited participants of the event to ask questions for the distinguished visitor. President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary club Mike Rich shared his gratitude for being able to participate in the climate change discussion. President designate of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club Cathy Ambroze shared her concern about growing radicalism in Utah. Mary Cisneros, UVU alumni shared her experiences with climate change activities at UVU by hosting Women of the Mountains Conference in 2015 and attending sessions of the Commission on the Status of Women during 2023-2024. UVU Rotaractor Stephan Atkinson informed distinguished guests about UIMF members in raising awareness about impact of the climate change on mountain communities in the State of Utah and at the United Nations.
UVU Rotaractor and UIMF Madam President, Janessa- Michelle Purcell, presents gifts to the Honorable Bob Inglis.
In this discussion with Congressman Bob Inglis, I was able to share my research of mountain communities and how we as UVU students have been proactive in our efforts of sharing our knowledge and work of the effects of climate change in mountainous communities. While planning and organizing the event was extremely stressful for me as the incoming female President of the Utah International Mountain Forum, a coalition of clubs here at UVU, it was a great experience for me to have to kick off the start of the fall semester. I am excited to continue my efforts in advocating for climate change, from the mountains to the sea.
Janessa- Michelle Purcell, President of the UIMF Club
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Utah Rotary District Newsletter About Congressman Inglis Visit
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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24-08-21-Louyoko-Nianza-Participation in Congressman Bob Inglis’ Climate Change Presentation at UVU
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