Robert Kennedy Jr. talking environment Thursday

Fenton freshman Danielle Duval is interested in what Robert Kennedy Jr.’s point of view is on the environment and pollution.

Duval said she does not have a lot of knowledge about global warming and hopes that attending Kennedy’s speech will help her understand it better.

“I feel like people don’t really care about the environment,” she said. “It’s not their number one concern, but I think (Kennedy’s speech) will make them more aware.”

Kennedy will speak about current environmental issues at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

Issues he will discuss include global warming and population growth, said Keith Voeks, assistant director of University Events.

Kennedy’s speech will kick off this year’s Speaker Series.

“We expect it to be one of our best attended speakers this year,” Voeks said. “We encourage people to get out on Thursday night to see what a great member of our society has to say about our environment.”

About him

Kennedy was named one of TIME magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet” for his success in helping environmental watchdog organization Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River. The group’s achievement helped spawn more than 160 Waterkeeper organizations across the globe, according to his biography.

In 2009, he was named one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Agents of Change.”

Director of University Events Bob Ebner expects a very positive outcome from Kennedy’s speech.

Since Kennedy will speak about energy dependence and creating jobs, Ebner said he believes it is the right timing for what Michigan’s economy is experiencing.

“His speech will be very fascinating,” he said.

The event is co-sponsored by the President’s Office and Provost’s Office. Admission is free.

Tickets are required for those planning to attend and are available through the Central Box Office in the Bovee University Center.

Interim Provost Gary Shapiro thinks the university should look forward to Kennedy’s visit.

“Our students and our faculty need to have the ability to interact with nationally known figures,” he said.

Focusing on the environment

Kennedy’s speech, titled, “Green gold rush: A vision for energy, independence, jobs and national wealth,” will cover the importance of creating a green economy and the many solutions it may have on the multiple challenges faced in the environment today.

He will discuss the need for a cultivated and well-composed energy policy that would help reduce energy costs and national debt while shaping America into a better country.

“The environment is a hot topic now,” Voeks said. “(Speaker Series) is not only excited about his visit, but also about his message on the environment that he’s going to deliver.”