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Imagine students retrofitting campus buildings to be more energy efficient, or using their knowledge to reduce food waste in cafeterias. These efforts are part of the “campus as a living lab” approach, blending classroom teaching with initiatives to decarbonize campuses. Earlier this year, the State University of New York showcased this model in action.
During a visit, a business class pitched proposals to make the New Paltz campus greener, covering topics like solar energy and composting. Students gained project management and finance skills, knowing their plans could become reality thanks to the university’s “green revolving fund.”
“A lot of projects are kind of like simulations,” said senior Madeleine Biles. “This one was real life.” Professors from diverse fields like theater, economics, and architecture are embracing the “living lab” model. Anya Kamenetz from Hechinger noted a trend where colleges embed climate-related content in various classes like sociology and history.
“We want every major to be a climate major,” said Toddi Steelman of Duke University. “Our responsibility is to ensure we have educated our students to capably deal with these challenges and identify the solutions.”
Research take
The Aspen Institute’s Planet Ed initiative highlighted strategies for colleges to address the climate crisis in its recent plan. The report outlines four key areas:
- Educating and supporting students: Colleges should ensure students attain climate literacy and prepare for jobs in renewable energy. The Kern Community College system in California, for example, is shifting from training students for oil jobs to carbon management roles.
- Engaging communities: Colleges can support community leaders in developing climate plans. The Bullard Center at Texas Southern University works with predominantly Black communities in the Gulf Coast to mitigate environmental harm.
- Developing solutions: Colleges must reduce their climate footprint and prepare for climate risks. Arizona State University’s “campus metabolism dashboard” tracks resource use, and Ringling College has 85% of its vehicles electric.
- Prioritizing equity: Colleges should support students affected by climate and educational inequities. The HBCU Climate Change Consortium aims to diversify environmental leadership.
The interview
John B. King Jr., chancellor of the State University of New York and co-chair of This is Planet Ed, discussed higher ed’s role in combating climate change. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.
What are you doing at SUNY to combat climate change?
SUNY appointed a chief sustainability officer, Carter Strickland, who is developing a system-wide climate action plan. Each campus has steps identified to reach the 2045 net-zero emissions goal. They are also prioritizing capital projects that involve geothermal and other sustainable practices.
Why can’t SUNY and other universities move faster to reduce their carbon footprint?
It comes down to capital. SUNY projects a need for $10 billion in capital investment to meet net-zero targets, alongside a substantial maintenance backlog. Efforts include making renovations energy efficient, adding charging stations, and moving fleets to electric.
Could this result in students having to pay more to attend SUNY schools?
No. SUNY hopes the governor and legislature will develop a comprehensive capital plan.
How is climate change already reshaping childhood?
Climate change disrupts schooling through extreme weather events. High temperatures negatively impact student learning, and kids in hot climates face restrictions on outdoor play. However, K-12 schools are increasingly engaging students in climate solutions.
Resources and events
- This summer, the hottest on record, ends with several sessions on education during Climate Week NYC.
- EARTHDAY.ORG released a “School Guide to Climate Action.” On Oct. 9 in Washington, D.C., they’ll hold a workshop for educators on the guide and climate instruction.
- The World Bank report emphasizes investing in education to combat climate change.
- New research in WIREs Climate Change examines the fossil fuel industry’s involvement in higher education.
What I’m reading
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton. This novel explores a family surviving in a climate-ravaged Florida. The story provides a glimpse of perseverance and adaptation in a drastically changed world.
Related articles
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