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The Role Of Faith In Climate Change, Bufo Toads In South Florida & Poet Richard Blanco

St. Thomas University
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On Thursday St. Thomas University will kick off their 2nd International Conference on Climate, Nature and Society.

The world of science and faith are coming together in South Florida to tackle the issue of climate change.  The International Conference on Climate, Nature, and Society is being hosted by St. Thomas University and the environmental organization Nature Conservancy Florida. Representatives from the Vatican will be in attendance to discuss Pope Francis’ second encyclical, Laudato si', which focused on climate change reduction efforts and the role of the Catholic church in leading that effort. Father Alfred Cioffi, an Associate Professor of Biology and Bioethics at St. Thomas University,is leading the benediction and opening ceremonies at the event. He joined Sundial to talk about the event.

South Florida is experiencing an infestation of poisonous Bufo toads, also known as Cane Toads. Palm Beach County residents may have noticed toads showing up in their backyards, along the street and one resident even tweeted out a photo of them in her pool. The toads have been raising concerns for local residents about the dangers they can pose to their pets. Dr. Steve Johnson, an associate professor at the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation joined Sundial to give some tips on how to protect pets and handle the bufo toads.

Poet Richard Blanco grew up in Miami and was the son of Cuban exiles. In 2013, he was the inaugural poet at President Barack Obama's inauguration. Blanco has a new collection of poems called, “How to Love a Country” which he will read from on Wednesday at the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ. He joined Sundial and spoke with WLRN Editorial Director Alicia Zuckerman about this new body of poetry.

Chris knew he wanted to work in public radio beginning in middle school, as WHYY played in his car rides to and from school in New Jersey. He’s freelanced for All Things Considered and was a desk associate for CBS Radio News in New York City. Most recently, he was producing for Capital Public Radio’s Insight booking guests, conducting research and leading special projects at Sacramento’s NPR affiliate.