TV science icon Bill Nye speaks with Stefanie Johnson at the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series in Mackey Auditorium on Nov 4, 2026. (Peter FitzGerald/CU Independent)
On Wednesday, scientist Bill Nye spoke to students at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Macky Auditorium Concert Hall. He sat down with Stefanie Johnson, director of CU Boulder’s Center for Leadership and professor in the Leeds School of Business, to talk about the future of our planet and how humans can make a positive impact.
Nye was a large part of Generation Z’s childhood primarily through his show “Bill Nye the Science Guy”, which ran from 1993 to 1998. The show — through its fast-paced structure including unique camera angles, neon graphics and sound effects — engaged young audiences and introduced them to the world of science.
The talk was a part of the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series, which provides students the opportunity to hear from world leaders about their own leadership and development. The event sold out with over 2,000 students, faculty, alumni and community members in attendance.
Nye touched on several topics during the talk, including the importance of science in government policy.
“Science is political,” Nye said. “The word ‘science’ itself is in the Constitution. What we want is for science to not be partisan. But the nature of human nature does not work that way. So we just have to accept that science is political. Let’s get to work.”
According to a 2025 study by the National Library of Medicine, roughly half of Gen Z participants showed high levels of eco-anxiety; they were more than four times as likely as Baby Boomers to report high eco-anxiety.
Nye touched on the topic of eco-anxiety in young adults.
“Being anxious doesn’t mean you don’t take action,” he said. “I just remind everyone that hope is not a plan. In my experience it just starts with doing something. The big thing that happened yesterday is that everyone voted, which was fantastic. It really was a huge start. There is some value in recycling and composting, but the big thing is to participate in your community and make good decisions in your community.”
Nye emphasized the impact of voting and how young people should continue to be involved in politics because participation is essential for change. He also noted that there has been a trend of older individuals being more likely to vote than younger individuals. His understanding is that younger people are more focused on trying to make a living and trying to make it through school.
He said the results of the 2026 midterm elections were a very hopeful sign that Gen Z voter turnout is on the rise.
Nye ended his talk with a message to students on how to make an impact on the CU community and beyond.
“You will find your way,” he said. “If you go out with this idea that you are going to learn as much as you can, lead a good life and support good ideas, you will, dare I say it, change the world!”
TV science icon Bill Nye answers student journalists’ questions at the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series in Mackey Auditorium on Nov 4, 2026. (Peter FitzGerald/CU Independent)
Nye’s talk resonated with students in attendance. Senior Happy Phatak, who is double majoring in neuroscience and psychology with minors in business, leadership, writing and public engagement, and molecular, cellular and developmental biology, reflected on how the scientist advocated for equal opportunity and encouraged community involvement throughout the talk.
“I thought he did a really good job catering to the audience, especially in the world we live in today,” Phatak said. “He really instilled the idea that you really can, as he says, change the world and make sure that you remember your place and that you deserve a seat in the room.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Abigail Vance at Abigail.Vance@colorado.edu.
