Kean P.U.L.S.E. and Earth Science Club Team Up for Climate and Crisis Event

By Tyra Watts

Earth Day is rapidly approaching, and what better way to spend time leading up to Earth Day than by hosting a Climate and Crisis Event where important issues such as global warming and climate change are discussed. 

The event was hosted by Kean University’s Programming for Unique and Lively Student Experience (P.U.L.S.E) Programming Board (also known as Kean Pulse) and the Earth Science Club. It took place on Tuesday, April 19 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Bruce Hall.

Kean Pulse is a student-led programming board whose goal is to build community and involvement among the student body by extending the Kean University programming experience. They make decisions, take charge, plan events, share ideas, show school spirit, and lead and make a difference at Kean University.

The Earth Science Club is a club on campus that helps provide an understanding of earth science, and it’s open to any students interested in learning about the Earth Science field. They hold many events and trips throughout the school year to help all members learn more about the exciting fields of Earth Science (e.g. meteorology, geology, astronomy, etc.).

The Climate and Crisis event expressed knowledge of global warming, which is the long-term heating of Earth’s climate system, and climate change, a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s local, regional and global climates.

Climate change and global warming have been a highly discussed topic for the last few years, and according to research, global warming of more than 1.5°C can lead to bigger and more intense storms, and rain followed by more prolonged and intense droughts, and much more. 

Everyone on campus should learn about climate change and global warming because it poses a serious threat to the planet, and we can play a role in helping the Earth become a better place. 

At the Climate and Crisis event, there was a small crowd of fewer than twenty students, and food, music, and giveaways were provided. 

Students were able to sign up for a raffle and win a free Kean University Earth Science Club tote bag. After signing up, you had the opportunity to take a free reusable straw. 

There was a plant station where students could take home a plant of their choice, a red flower or a blue flower, and decorate the container with stickers. 

On most of the tables, there were facts and definitions about climate change and global warming to educate students. 

There were a couple of game stations at the Climate and Crisis event, such as a virtual reality game area and two ball tossing games. 

At one of the ball tossing games, you had to throw a ball in a recycling bin and you could win a reusable cup, and at the other ball-tossing game you had to throw a ball into a green cup. If you make it, you have to answer a question. If you get it right, you can win a reusable straw or a pen. 

At one of the ball tossing games, Shahara Rahim, a freshman majoring in Business Administration, was helping out. Rahim was inspired to take part in the Climate and Crisis Event through the idea of spreading awareness of climate change and global warming.

“You can be aware of what’s going on, especially regarding climate change and global warming, and just to inform people about what’s going on,” Rahim said. 

As for Rahim’s plans for what she’s going to do for Earth Day, Rahim revealed that if anything Earth Day-related is going on at campus, she would take part.

If you want to learn more about Kean Pulse or the Earth Science Club, you can follow them on Instagram @keanpulse and @ku_earthscienceclub. 

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