By Michael Walsh

The Global Environmental Sustainability Action Coalition is holding its third annual Global Environmental Sustainability conference at Central Connecticut State University on Monday, April 5.

The main highlight of the event is keynote speaker Amey Marrella, who is the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner at 12:45 p.m. in Alumni Hall. Marrella’s department is responsible for the protection of Connecticut’s environment, natural resources and wildlife and for maintaining Connecticut’s state parks and forests. Marrella was named to the position in September of 2009.

The day-long event, A Green Economy for a Sustainable Future, focuses on how the country can transition to a greener economy by redefining the American economy to become one of sustainable development.

GESAC aims to empower and teach the CCSU community and its surrounding citizens throughout the day’s discussions with various speakers to learn how to ensure the future of the planet can be realized as a just, prosperous and healthy experience.

Another major portion of the event is a town hall meeting featuring Connecticut Gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont at 5:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall.

The meeting will be centered around a discussion with audience members about what needs to be done to create a thriving green business economy nationally and in the state of Connecticut.

According to GESAC, their mission is to support university and civic leaders, governmental officials and all citizens in the implementation of policies that promote a healthy environment, strong economy and a just society for present and future generations as well as trying to adopt a sustainable lifestyle.

The event, which is free and open to the entire general public, is capped by an aesthetic performance art piece from elementary education majors titled “The Dolphin Industry Tragedy of the Commons” exploring the concept of anthropocentrism, the belief that humans are the central and most significant entities in the universe.

The conference will close with a free performance by local death metal band Engraved, who is also performing at tonight’s WFCS Metal Fest.