Following up on their successful solar energy symposium last spring, First Things First is putting on an even larger event this week.

害羞草研究所淲e have some simply amazing speakers coming in,害羞草研究所� said Jim Beattie, spokesperson for First Things First, a local environmental group encouraging awareness and action on climate change.

More:

The list includes keynote speaker Alicia Clancy from the David Suzuki Foundation, addressing global trends in renewable energy at noon in the Shatford Centre on Saturday for the free one-day symposium.

Brock Nanson, president of the Tesla Owners Club of B.C. is also on the speakers害羞草研究所� list, discussing the perks and challenges of owning an electric car, several of which will be on display.

Last year害羞草研究所檚 conference focused on solar, but this year害羞草研究所檚 conference, Energy: our present, our future, addresses a variety of topics on energy and climate change, ranging from wind power to energy retrofit programs.

The need to control humanity害羞草研究所檚 carbon footprint is paramount, and Beattie said they are trying to cover they variety of ways people can help.

害羞草研究所淩enewables are necessary. It害羞草研究所檚 not just a lifestyle,害羞草研究所� said Beattie, noting solar and wind power are making inroads in the Okanagan, as is geothermal energy.

As last year, the public portion of the symposium is a one-day event. This year, it害羞草研究所檚 hosted at Penticton Secondary School and First Things First is expanding their reach into the classrooms.

Starting Tuesday, the group is bringing a selection of speakers into the classrooms to address the students directly.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 not young people that have created the situation,害羞草研究所� said Beattie, referring to human-caused climate change. However, he added, they are going to feel the brunt of dealing with it.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 still a hard pill to swallow.害羞草研究所�

That means, he explained, getting students excited about the possibilities is vital.

Beattie attributes part of the growth to the sponsors that have come in to back the symposium, and helped keep it free.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 unusual to have a symposium like this for free,害羞草研究所� said Beattie, who also acknowledges the support of fellow First Things First and volunteers.

害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e a small organization so this is an ambitious project,害羞草研究所� said Beattie.

The energy symposium runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Penticton Secondary School and the Shatford Centre on April 22. Sessions run throughout the day with more than 20 speakers and a trade show in the Pen High common area.

A full program is available on the First Things First Okanagan web site at .