As we enter the Program on Climate Change Undergraduate Cohort‘s (UCo) third official year, it is amazing to reflect on how far we have come. What began simply as an interest survey has now blossomed into a Cohort of students dedicated to sharing, learning, and developing together into a new, informed generation of climate scientists at the University of Washington. That newfound connection was underscored at the UCo’s kickoff meeting, on 9/26, which drew over 40 attendees from across the college and university. At the event, part of UW’s annual Dawg Daze, undergrads, new and old, learned about how to get involved in the climate science community at the UW, all while having fun along the way.

Although the weather put an end to any thought of bonding outside in the Quad, the event still kicked off with introductory pizza and chatting inside. The attendees all got the chance to get to know each other a little better, share questions, hopes, and fears about college, and start building the community that will be essential in engaging in climate science in a professional capacity. Everyone, from grads to undergrads, Political Science majors to Chemical Engineering majors, new arrivals to the UW to returning members, got to share about their experiences and meet new potential friends!

Once the socializing was over, there was a brief presentation on the Undergraduate Opportunities presented by the Program on Climate Change. This included info on both the details of the Climate Science Minor, the PCC’s educational, interdisciplinary pathway for undergrads to learn about climate science, and the UCo, which is more focused on community building and professional development. The UCo’s previous events were discussed, from its focus on connecting with grad students through lunches, coffee hours, and panels last Spring to its annual Getting Involved in Research as an Undergrad Seminar. Some of the major updates included the new UCo Discord Server, a way to facilitate interaction and connection between members and the renewed focus on community growth through upcoming social events. Each of the UCo’s initiatives are central to working towards preparing undergrads for a future in climate science and ensuring that their path towards that future is filled with support and connection. This is an ideal that will continue to be upheld throughout the year.

The event ended with a revamped version of Climate Science Jeopardy!, which included content on Oceans, Climate Impacts, Climate Action, Science, and the UW. The ending was extremely dramatic, coming down to which team could categorize several countries’ progress towards their Paris Agreement Goals (hint: none are Sufficient as of right now). The winners got first dibs on the exclusive PCC stickers (although everyone eventually got the chance to receive some). The atmosphere was electric and engaging, and everyone left feeling excited and informed. If the same energy can be maintained throughout the year, we are sure for the best year of the Cohort ever!

Make sure to attend the UCo’s Climate Movie Night Social on 10/24 (5pm in LSB 110) and its annual Getting Involved in Climate Research as an Undergrad Seminar (11/7)!

If you’re interested in joining the cohort, or just want to hear more about climate activities on campus, be sure to join the listserv. You can also contact the UCo on Instagram or email. Follow the PCC on Twitter and Facebook to see more about climate activities on campus!

Thanks to all of the incredible grad students helping run the UCo and plan this event, Aina Hori, Jake Davis, and Madeleine Strait, and the rest of the past and current P-GraSC committee members who offered their help at one time or another. Special shoutout to undergraduates Lauren Henrie and Medha Kumar for their assistance in leading this cohort this year, and to Maddie Brooks and Annabel Wade for their long-time commitment to the Cohort.

Written by Isaac Olson