LAS VEGAS - March 6, 2009 - More than 250 educators, researchers and community leaders gathered today at UNLV to examine how the emerging topics of sustainability, climate change and global warming are being taught in Nevada's schools and colleges during the 2nd annual UNLV Urban Sustainability Conference.

With sustainability and "green" living terms now firmly entrenched in the vernacular of American business, research and popular culture, expert panelists from the Nevada System of Higher Education and Clark County School District discussed strategies for incorporating sustainability into K-16 education. The event also brought to light current issues including student perceptions of climate change, understanding urban heat island effect and environmental literacy.

"Educators at all levels need to be aware of sustainability, what it means to be sustainable, and how this idea fits into traditional education settings," said Thomas Piechota, director of sustainability and multidisciplinary research for UNLV. "Educating students on sustainable practices today will allow them to compete for future jobs in emerging technology fields and become leaders in addressing quality-of-life challenges facing Southern Nevada, the Intermountain West and beyond."

Panel discussions included:

o Sustainability Education in the Western U.S. for K-12 Students
o Creation and Correction of Myths about Global Warming
o The State of Climate Change Education
o Incorporating Sustainability into UNLV's Colleges and Schools

The conference also included a panel on public/private sector collaboration with representatives from the City of Las Vegas, NV Energy, Harrah's Corporation, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Regional Transportation Commission, Southern Nevada Health District, Lucchesi Galati Architects and other community agencies and businesses.

"Our community partners will be employing our graduates, so it's important to understand their workforce development needs and gain insight into current sustainability activities underway in both the public and private sector," said Piechota.

The UNLV Urban Sustainability Initiative is a campus wide effort encompassing multi-disciplinary research, academic programs and community partnerships related to the study of urban issues. Among the university's active sustainability research is a $15 million collaborative project with Nevada System of Higher Education institutions to investigate climate change in Nevada.