On Thursday, October 24, residents of Oshawa and the greater Durham Region gathered at Trent University Oshawa to screen the film, “Do the Math,” a documentary about the rising movement to change the terrifying math of the climate crisis and challenge the fossil fuel industry. Created by the non-profit group 350.org, the film is part of a broader initiative to creatively mobilize activists in finding a global solution to the climate crisis.

Following the inspiring film, a panel of energy and climate crisis experts engaged the audience in a dialogue centred on the ways in which residents in the Durham Region can become involved and affect change in their communities.

Representing Trent University Oshawa on the panel was Dr. Brendan Hickie of Trent’s Environmental and Resource Studies program. “I have been teaching young people for twenty years and I can tell you that Trent students care deeply about the climate crisis issue,” remarked Prof. Hickie. “Our students are actively working to make changes to the environment and they are deeply affected by the future of our planet.”

Panel members encouraged the audience to join the social change movement, explaining that only a ten percent participation rate is needed to shift the paradigm and shape the ideologies of the decision-makers.

The event concluded with a small reception and the discussion continued late into the evening.

Trent University Oshawa worked collaboratively with the City of Oshawa and the Region of Durham to plan and host this free event.