John Monaghan

John Monaghan already has an impressive resume, complete with study-abroad, research and community organizing experiences. But soon, the 19-year-old University of Michigan senior will add the title "Ambassador of Change."

Monaghan is one of two U.S. college students selected for a special project: a 10-day June boat trip to the Arctic to study the effects of global climate change. When he returns to Michigan, he has pledged to become an advocate for climate change action on campus, in Ann Arbor and across the state.

"I'm really excited and ready for the journey to begin," said Monaghan, a major in the Program in the Environment (PiTE) who wants to work for a non-governmental organization after graduation. "I'm looking forward to meeting students from other nations and learning about the climate change challenges in their own nations."

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) runs the Ambassador of Change program as well as the scientific boat excursion, titled "Voyage for the Future."

Two students were chosen from each of eight participating countries: Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. WWF selected students based on their demonstrated leadership, commitment to the environment and willingness to share what is learned with others. A WWF representative from each country accompanies the students.

Through a number of activities, Monaghan and the others will gain new knowledge of climate change,  its effects and potential solutions, including: the mechanisms and science of climate change; the effects of global warming on and in the Arctic; the growing interests in the Arctic by governments and businesses and the risks that come with these new interests; the effects on and roles of Arctic indigenous people with respect to these growing interests; how politicians and business leaders make decisions and what determines the reasons for these decisions; and how to effectively communicate with target audiences.

The trip launches from Svalbard, Norway. While in Norway, the students will learn from experts, take part in on-shore research activities and receive communications and media training. Once back home, students will work with WWF to reach out to media and local and national policymakers.

Monaghan is no stranger to organizing and advocacy. For example, he led U-M students' involvement in the development of next fall's "Energy Futures," the semester-long theme for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. "The goal of Energy Futures is to bring energy and environmental issues to the entire university community," Monaghan said.

Monaghan's nominating letters were written by Rosina M. Bierbaum, professor and dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE), which jointly sponsors PiTE; and Rebecca Hardin, an SNRE assistant professor.

Monaghan enjoys putting his summers to good use. Last year, he spent time on South Caicos Island, Turks and Caicos as part of a study-abroad program to learn management techniques and policies related to marine protected areas. Monaghan, also has a Realtor license and is a member of the U-M Honors College.

 
About The Word Wildlife Fund:

For more than 45 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The largest multinational conservation organization in the world, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally.

About the School of Natural Resources and Environment:

The School of Natural Resources and Environment's overarching objective is to contribute to the protection of the earth's resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. Through research, teaching, and outreach, faculty, staff, and students are devoted to generating knowledge and developing policies, techniques and skills to help practitioners manage and conserve natural and environmental resources to meet the full range of human needs on a sustainable basis.

Learn more about the Voyage to the Future:

http://worldwildlife.org/voyage/

For more information, contact

Kevin Merrill
Director of Communications
School of Natural Resources and Environment
merrillk@umich.edu
O: 734.936.2447
C: 734.417.7392