The Sempra Energy Foundation has given $600,000 to the University of California, San Diego, as lead sponsor of Birch Aquarium at
Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s “Boundless Energy” exhibit and
education program. This gift is the largest ever made by the foundation
to a nonprofit institution.
“We are proud and pleased that Sempra Energy and the Sempra Energy
Foundation are partnering with us for this important educational
exhibit,” said Nigella Hillgarth, executive director of Birch Aquarium
at Scripps. “The exhibit will focus on innovative ideas for cleaner,
renewable sources of energy, providing useful information so that the
public can make informed choices.” Hillgarth added, “We are honored to
be the recipient of such a generous donation, which enables us to
continue our outreach efforts and spread the message that clean energy
is an essential pillar of sustainability.”
“Boundless Energy,” designed to complement the aquarium’s
award-winning exhibit on climate change, will present a collection of
interactive outdoor exhibits and experiences showing how harnessing the
power of the wind, sun and waves reduces dependence on fossil fuels and
produces energy that is free of carbon dioxide and particulate
emissions. More than 2 million visitors are expected to visit
“Boundless Energy” during its five-year run.
“Our goal with this donation is to help provide crucial information
about the many alternatives to fossil fuels, and to encourage visitors
to the exhibit to explore ways to limit carbon-dioxide emissions,” said
Debra L. Reed, chairwoman of the Sempra Energy Foundation.
The anticipated opening of the exhibit is July 2011. Scientists at
Scripps Institution of Oceanography have been on the cutting edge of
climate research for five decades, and the “Boundless Energy” exhibit
presents an ideal educational complement to that research.
In addition to its support of Birch Aquarium at Scripps through the Sempra Energy Foundation, Sempra Energy is a Visionary Sponsor of UC San Diego’s 50th Anniversary celebration.