ASUN president headed to Indonesia for climate change conference

University of Nebraska-Lincoln student David Solheim is headed to Indonesia for the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, Dec. 3-14.

Solheim is president of the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska. He was one of 22 youth leaders nationwide invited to attend the conference as members of a student delegation convened by SustainUs, a national nonprofit organization.

In preparation for the meeting in Bali, the youth delegates have been communicating for several months via weekly conference calls. At the conference, they will present three policy briefs on environmental issues and will also provide coverage of their experiences at the conference through online videos, blogs and news releases.

"This conference will be far-reaching, global," Solheim said. "The entire membership of the U.N. will be there, 190-odd countries, with their respective delegations and climate experts. The ramifications are global in scope, but they hit home locally everywhere. Nebraska has a vested interest in the future of energy; we produce renewable energy here. I think they thought I could bring a youth perspective and vantage point."

Originally from Norfolk, Neb., Solheim was once an environmental studies major, and has always had an intellectual interest in environmental issues. Now, as an economics and international studies major, he examines the politics and policy decisions that relate to global climate change.

"I'm interested in the economic vitality of our state and our generation," he said. "Climate change affects what we do here in terms of agriculture, so I think Nebraska is at the forefront of the energy question."

To follow the delegation's progress, visit www.SustainUS.org or www.ItsGettingHotinHere.org.