The group will track its progress on Steger’s Web site, Globalwarming101.com.

In a conference call with The State News and other college media, Steger said an international partnership of the world’s next generation is key to solving what he sees as an upcoming global climate crisis.

The State News: What do you say to those who think the reason you haven’t seen similar changes in the Arctic in the past is because you’re not looking back far enough?

Will Steger: I get that question quite frequently. We’ve gone through some major glacial ages … what is totally different and is off the chart right now is carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. There’s never been a debate. When you add carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, temperatures rise. It’s like putting a sweater on a body.

SN: You talked about activity you’re hoping to inspire in the next generation. Is there a specific way you want to see college students get involved?

WS: No one’s going to dodge the boat on global warming, so the first step is self-initiative. There’s a whole list of things to do you can find on the Internet.

You need to educate yourself, look at your own personal habits and improve.

With the whole democratic process, getting involved is important. Engagement in the democratic process, getting people energized and taking action for themselves and reaching out are all necessary.

SN: How do you make your press tours and expeditions environmentally friendly?

WS: That’s something we weigh. Of course we offset carbon. In a way that’s a Band-Aid but it’s better than nothing. We always carpool. It’s not possible always to walk or bike on long tours.

I’ve limited my own personal carbon footprint, but we’re traveling now and sometimes we have to take a plane.

If I’m doing lectures and spreading the word, then offsetting carbon is the first step. I also use mass transit whenever I can.

SN: What has been the greatest obstacle in trying to raise awareness about global warming?

WS: The biggest obstacle has been disinformation campaigns waged by certain well-organized groups. That has really set us back and still does. Media coverage as well — fair and balanced works in the political spectrum, but you have well-trained scientists versus untrained scientists. Discouraging setbacks are the name of the game.

Now people are awakening to this. The opposite problem now is people need so much information. There’s a demand for solutions and knowledge.