Global climate change was the topic of discussion during the annual "Focus the Nation" event, where students came to listen to environmentalists and fellow students speak on the dangers facing our planet and how to stop it.

"Scientists say we have only a two year window to act on preserving the planet," said Glenn Fieldmen, professor of environmental studies at SF State. "We have to make emission reductions soon."

She voiced the importance of a wealthy government, such as the U.S., needing work with other countries to solve this worldwide crisis.

"There's a divide between rich countries and poor countries," said Fieldmen. She discussed how wealth on the planet is distributed unevenly and poorer countries with fewer resources aren't able to reduce gas emissions, the leading cause for global warming.

"Focus the Nation" took place on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Jack Adams Hall of . Concerned students striving to spread awareness on global environmental issues held workshops to show students how the can apply their new found knowledge

Drew Foster, 23, environmental studies major, encouraged students to, "make their campus and environment more sustainable."

One demonstration was on yerba mate, a traditional beverage originating from Praguay, Argentina and Brazil. The drink was made by Guayaki, a company using organic ingredients that are sustainably harvested and fair trade certified, where they urged students to purchase beverages that are free of exploitation.

Another demonstration was on how to make your own solar oven.

Davin Wentworth-Thrasher, a 28-year-old civil engineering major showed students how simple and inexpensive a home made oven could be. He used cardboard, tape, rope, foil and glass.

Solar ovens are not just a at-home science project. When made right, the temperature can exceed 300 degrees making it possible to cook anything a regular over would make.

"It takes a little bit of a lifestyle change," said Wentworth-Thrasher, describing how a solar oven can be used for everyday use. "When I wake up, I have to get my dinner ready [in the solar oven] and when I come home it's hot and sometimes boiling."

Not only did the event discus how to make our personal lives more sustainable, but it also addressed how to make the campus more earth friendly as well.

Caitlin Steele, sustainability coordinator for the campus and a member of the campus Sustainability Committee, said, "students have a lot of power," as she listed the many ways students can help make the campus and the world more sustainable and to preserve the earth through the campus.

Steele encouraged students to participate in the community garden associated with the Mary Ward dorm through the Eco Students organization.

She also mentioned how the university has already diverted 76 percent of its waste from entering landfills and wants the school to continue using the available composts and recycling bins placed throughout the campus.