The climate crisis is here, and it’s real – so what can Saints do to protect the planet? The College is hosting a two-day public symposium to explore exactly that question.
“Earth’s Cry, Humanity’s Call: A Symposium on Integral Ecology” will be held in the MAC on Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11. Speakers and sessions will address the global realities of the climate crisis as well as efforts that can be undertaken by individuals and organizations to address this critical issue. The event is being hosted by the College’s Laudato Sí Center for Integral Ecology and co-organized by Br. Michael Perry O.F.M. and Br. Jacek Orzechowski, O.F.M.
“This symposium is an exceptional effort on behalf of the College to address this pressing existential issue, particularly how it is impacting the most vulnerable on our earth,” said Siena President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D. “I encourage our entire campus community to take part, and to welcome those from other schools, churches and organizations who will be joining us for these crucial discussions. Most importantly, however, is to take what is learned and apply it to protecting our future, which we are called to do through Siena’s mission.”
Symposium highlights include:
- “Clean and Just Connections: Your Future Can be Green and Gold” featuring display booths of organizations dedicated to advocacy and action to help the planet, clean energy and the corresponding, growing job sector.
- “Global Perspectives on the Climate Crisis and Urgency to Act Now,” a keynote address especially recorded for this event by U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres followed by a panel discussion.
- “National and State Responses to Climate Change: Fostering Effective Partnership and Collaboration Between Private and Public Sectors and Civil Society” with Q&A session by Basil Seggos, former NYS Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Panel and speakers on:
- “Climate Change: What is at Stake? Why Should I Care?”
- “Integral Ecology: A Franciscan Response to the Cry of the Poor and of The Planet”
- “What Can We Do? Thinking Globally, Acting Locally”
- “Shaping Imagination, Engaging Energies on Behalf of the Environment/Sustainability: Possible Next Steps”
Click here for a detailed schedule with speaker and times. You are invited to attend all or part of the symposium. (Students can swipe in for individual events.) Registration can be made in advance by clicking here.
Several Siena students have been closely involved with the planning and will present at the symposium, which is open to the public and can be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Paris DeFilippis ’25 will be moderating the Q&A session after Commissioner Seggos’ address.
“It is becoming more and more crucial that action be taken on climate change and the first step to doing this is developing a deeper understanding of the subject area,” said DeFilippis. “I’ve found that whenever I feel alone or helpless in combating an issue much larger than me, participating in events like this where there is a collective community trying to achieve the same purpose is beyond encouraging. It puts into perspective that your ‘small’ efforts are in reality not so small and are instead crucial to creating change on a larger scale.”
What if the environment isn’t one of your go-to issues? It has to be. Climate change is now impacting every corner of globe, and all future career paths. Isabelle Rowley ’26 will be presenting on the “What Can We Do?” panel.
“All Siena students should attend this conference because the climate crisis is an urgent global issue that encompasses all fields of study,” said Rowley. “While environmental issues might not be everyone’s interest, the impact of climate change affects every aspect of our lives, from extreme weather events, our health, and economics to social justice. By participating, students from all majors can contribute to solutions, gain a broader understanding of the interconnected challenges we face, and play a role in shaping a more sustainable future. At the end of the day, we only have one earth that we call home so we must make a group effort to push for the necessary change.”
Emily Atassi ’25 will be moderating the “What Can We Do” panel, and she has been working with Br. Michael and Br. Jacek to help plan the symposium.
“I think much of what we will be learning in the symposium important to the Franciscan tradition,” said Atassi. “This is about the founding mission of the College, and I hope to see as many Saints attend as possible.”