UAF climate scholars meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Students listen and take notes as they meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as part of a course focusing on energy, policy, and climate communication.
Photo courtesy of Kristin Timm
Students listen and take notes as they meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

UAF climate scholars met with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in January, as part of a course led by UAF Climate Scholars Program Faculty Fellow Kristin Timm focusing on energy, policy, and climate communication.

During the meeting, the climate scholars advocated for supporting climate resiliency and rural infrastructure in the state of Alaska. Secretary Buttigieg was highly receptive and deeply impressed by the quality of the student meeting.

The students who participated in the meeting hail from all corners of Alaska, including Dillingham, Anchorage, and Kodiak, and included majors in Biology, Creative Writing, Political Science, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Sciences, Electrical Engineering, and beyond.

The students also met with the Alaska federal congressional delegation, along with influential officials at the State Department, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as directors of national environmental non-profits.

The UAF Climate Scholars Program offers students of all majors and backgrounds transformative experiences focusing on climate resiliency and adaptation.