On recent sunny, 80-degree days at UNC, students could be seen gathering in the quad and playing Frisbee around campus, enjoying the warm weather.
But what happens if the temperatures become so hot these activities become miserable?
UNC students tried to increase awareness of rising temperatures related to global warming by participating in rallies Saturday as a part of Step It Up 2007, dubbed the national day of climate action.
The rallies coincided with the celebration of Earth Week and were meant to be reminiscent of the first Earth Day, when millions of people gathered.
More events will follow this week, including a speech Wednesday by Fred Krupp, president of the nonprofit group Environmental Defense, and a Focus the Nation Global Warming panel featuring professors.
"Global warming affects everyone," said Jennifer Sessoms, a sophomore who helped organize the student effort.
"We should all learn and make a difference."
A large rally was held at 1 p.m. in Raleigh. People gathered at the Old Capitol Grounds to show their support for global warming legislation in the U.S. Congress.
Students from UNC had the opportunity to attend that rally by taking a biodiesel bus and carpooling to the event.
But some students from UNC had their own answer to the Raleigh event and stayed in Chapel Hill to rally in Polk Place.
"It's really important for Chapel Hill to have an event," said Megan Turek, a senior who organized the on-campus event.
The rally at Polk Place was part of 1,400 events occurring around the country simultaneously. About 60 students stayed on campus for the UNC rally.
The main goal, Turek said, was to show Congress that people all around the world care about global warming.
"People in Congress have the misconception that our country is apathetic," she said.
"We're making a statement along with the rest of the country that there is tons of grassroots support."
Various students stood up during the campus event to voice their support. Community members also attended and gave speeches.
A banner was displayed saying "Step It Up Congress! Cut Carbon 80% by 2050!" Students took a picture holding the banner, with the intent to send it with a petition to Congress.
As the rally wore down, students laid in the grass in front of South Building to listen to live music and eat snacks.
"We just wanted to show support behind global-warming legislation," Sessoms said. "We can actually save the world."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
Earth Week events
Today: Community Carbon Reduction Program at 6 p.m. in Murphey 116. A panel will discuss ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions on campus.
Tuesday: "Planetarium Dark Skies" presentation at 7:30 p.m. at the Morehead Planetarium, followed by a campus walk at 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Fred Krupp of Environmental Defense will speak at 7 p.m. in Carroll 111.
Thursday: Focus the Nation: Global Warming panel with various UNC professors from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Manning 209.
Friday: Pit presentations by environmental groups from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with T-shirts, raffles and games.
Saturday: Bus to Piedmont Farm Tour at 9 a.m.
Sunday: Carrboro Earth Action Fest at 2:30 p.m. at Carrboro Town Commons. The event will host educational booths, music, children's activities, prizes and a sustainability marketplace.
