You Won't Believe What Happens When Students Take Action Against Climate Change—Find Out Now!

Santa Clara University is gearing up for an impactful week dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time—the climate crisis. From April 20 through April 26, the campus will host the tUrn Climate Crisis Awareness and Action week, organized by child studies and theater professor Kristin Kusanovic and a team of 15 dedicated students. With a lineup featuring 20 events, this initiative aims to engage attendees from various backgrounds, professions, and cultures.

“We’re supposed to be preparing students for life and reality, and this is a very big aspect of our reality going forward,” said Kusanovic, emphasizing the importance of climate awareness in today’s educational landscape.

The primary goals of tUrn week include centering vulnerable voices, advancing diversity, and cultivating an interdisciplinary understanding of the climate crisis. Kusanovic passionately remarked, “I’m trying to get tUrn week to be a place where things are not understated, not hidden, not swept under the rug. The latest information is with us, and it’s very harsh information. Yeah, when you take it in, it’s just devastating, but if we don’t take it in, and we don’t start to learn how to process it, then we’re going to stay in a very shut-off place, and then nothing will get done.”

This year's diverse lineup includes talks from Santa Clara University professors and a hydrologist presenting a Spanish-language session about glaciers. Innovative events such as the Laudato Si’ reading and an eco-anxiety workshop aim to address the emotional toll of climate change, an issue increasingly recognized in academic and social discussions. Intern Hanna Tedla, a sophomore, highlighted that these important conversations often go unaddressed in traditional coursework. “These conversations aren’t really taught... you don’t really hear about this from the media,” she noted.

This year also marks the first time tUrn week will extend into the weekend, with events planned at Castle Rock State Park on both Saturday and Sunday. This expansion is a testament to the growing interest in environmental issues among students and the community. Last year, about 250 people attended daily events, showcasing the program's ability to draw engagement.

“I am excited for tUrn week this year because of all the eco-friendly, environmental justice, and overall environmentally informative talks and events,” expressed Emma Middleton, a first-year student. After becoming involved with the Surfrider Foundation and pursuing a sustainability minor, she looks forward to the rich offerings of the week.

Kusanovic's inspiration for starting tUrn back in 2019 stems from witnessing global climate protests, where students across continents walked out of school to voice their concerns. “I was moved by the fact that we’ve basically failed the children, and they’re terrified and they’re sad,” she said, reflecting on the urgency of the matter. “When all the children are terrified and sad, I believe society has failed.” Additionally, a lecture by astrophysicist Jeffrey Bennett left a lasting impression on her, as he discussed the thickening greenhouse gas layer enveloping the Earth.

With 20 events scheduled throughout the week, Kusanovic has worked diligently to minimize overlaps to allow maximum attendance. “If you have a free class period, there’s probably a headliner during that class period,” she encouraged, inviting students to engage meaningfully with the material.

The tUrn Climate Crisis Awareness and Action week serves not only as an educational endeavor but also as a call to action. By addressing the reality of climate change boldly and fostering a community dialogue, Kusanovic and her students aim to inspire informed, impactful responses to the climate crisis. As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges of climate change, initiatives like tUrn week remind us that awareness and action can begin at the grassroots level.