Yesterday college and university campuses across the U.S. participated in Focus the Nation, a large "teach-in" meant to enlighten students about the issues surrounding global warming. The event was not targeted towards any specific group and included a wide range of participants from disciplines including chemistry, costume design and interior design.

The organizers of the event were aiming to move beyond an audience already well-versed in environmental issues and increase awareness amongst a younger generation whose futures will undoubtedly be directly affected by current global warming conditions.

"It's about infusing sustainability into the curriculum of higher education, so students can graduate prepared to deal with the world they have been handed," said Lindsey Clark, 23, who organized events at the University of Utah.

Some of the more innovative events of the day included:

- A mock debate staged at Lewis & Clark College in Portland. Students dressed up as presidential candidates including Hilary Rodham Clinton and John McCain and discussed the issues climate change

- The serving of "low carbon" meals during the past week at Arizona's Glendale Community Coolege and the University of Kentucky

- A mock wind farm devised by Fordham University in New York

- A recycled fashion show at Western Carolina University

- An illustration by the University of California at San Diego that included a student dressed as a polar bear sitting in a mock electric chair. The intent was to demonstrate how the species' is becoming increasingly endangered due to the effects of climate change.

You have to hand it to students to come up with some creative ways to get the message across. Lectures and speeches are all fine and good, but if people aren't paying attention by now, try putting Al Gore in a polar bear costume. I'm betting a lot more people would take notice then.

» MSNBC Environment