Keeping Blue Planet Green Focus of TAMIU LBV Planetarium

Although the Texas A&M International University Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium shows audiences Earth’s beauty from space, the past and the future, the TAMIU LBV Planetarium also encourages visitors to be aware of the state of the current environment on Earth.

“We would like to encourage our visitors to not only reflect upon our planet’s place in the universe, but also draw attention to our environment,” said Gerardo A. Pérez, director, TAMIU LBV Planetarium.
“We are trying to do our small part in educating the public and helping to create awareness about the consequences of our actions and show how changing our daily habits can lead to a better and cleaner environment,” explained Pérez.

The TAMIU LBV’s Planetarium commitment starts with hosting the “Green Dependence Day Quality of Life Fair” Thursday, Oct. 16 and Friday, Oct. 17.

Thursday’s and Friday’s events include “State of the Earth in 2008: The Science, Politics of Climate Change,” a presentation by Aaron Tuley, district manager, The Climate Project.

Tuley will present his lecture on Thursday at 3 and 4:30 p.m. This presentation is open to all TAMIU faculty members, students and staff.

For the general public, Tuley will present his lecture Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m.

Admission to the lecture is free. The events are sponsored by Border Media, Wal-Mart, Doctors Hospital and the TAMIU LBV Planetarium.

Tuley has 18 years experience in landscape architecture, urban and regional design and planning and specialization in sustainable development, natural, culture and scenic resource management. He has made presentations on climate change, sustainability and sustainable development, green building and cultural landscape interpretation. He also serves on the U.S. Green Building Council’s South-Central Regional Council.

The TAMIU LBV Planetarium will also launch “KidsCall,” a youth campaign of the World Future Council, that encourages kids and teenagers to think about and creatively express their concerns and worries related to climate change.

“For the next year or so, before every show, the TAMIU LBV Planetarium will run a 90-second clip aimed at creating awareness about protecting our environment,” Pérez said.

For more information on Green Dependence Day Quality of Life Fair, contact Vicky Cortez at 794.9119.

For more information on “KidsCall” go to www.kidscall.info

For more information about the TAMIU LBV Planetarium, e-mail planetarium@tamiu.edu, call 326.2444 or click on tamiu.edu/coas/planetarium

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu