West Hartford resident Owen R. Eagan will present his research on how actions taken locally can impact climate change on a global scale at the Noah Webster Library.

By Ronni Newton

Owen Eagan believes that climate change is not just a global issue to be solved at summits attended by world leaders, but rather an issue that can also be impacted on the local level.

Eagan, a 2018 graduate of Georgetown University (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) with a Bachelor of Arts in government, will present the research from his senior honors thesis at a program entitled: “Global Starts Local: Can Mayors Win the Battle Against Climate Change?” The program will be held on Wednesday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at the Noah Webster Library, 20 South Main St., West Hartford.

Eagan will bring a worldwide problem to the local level, and discuss how the actions of West Hartford residents can have an impact. Mayor Shari Cantor will provide the opening remarks.

“I’m thrilled that Mayor Cantor will be there to add to the event,” Eagan said. “To me, her involvement shows the importance of climate action at the local level, as well as the high priority that West Hartford puts on mitigating its environmental impact.”

Eagan said he was anxious to share the results of his thesis with the community as soon as he could, and hopes to help make an impact.

“Surveying the research for my thesis, I found that massive shifts in emissions can occur as a result of local sustainability efforts,” Eagan said. “I wanted to help West Hartford residents realize that they have the power to make a substantive difference in fighting global climate change from right here in our town.”

A question and answer period will follow the lecture.

Eagan said that the first 10 attendees to enter the room for the presentation will receive a complimentary reusable grocery bag.

More information about the event is available on the library’s website.