With the rising suspicion of global warming and the declining economy, an effort arises to restore and rejuvenate the environment. Actions need to be taken in a manner that will acquire the support and dedication of young adults.
The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment is an attempt to get the next generation of leaders involved in what is happening around them. The Presidents of the colleges and universities that sign this commitment are dedicating their time and effort to help the environment.
By signing the commitment the presidents are agreeing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions over a period of time. Each college and university involved in this commitment makes their own plan and course of actions that will be taken to make their campuses more environmentally friendly.
“In a very general way this is a reasonable statement and commitment. In the context being too often espoused, elimination of global warming emissions is neither practical nor possible since we cannot exist without these gasses,” said Dr. Wilbur Hugli, Geography and World Affairs lecturer. “It is unfortunate that science has been significantly replaced by emotional and political rhetoric. We need to significantly reduce our resource use and resulting high levels of emissions; but it must be done with a reasoned, science based methodology, said Hugli. This commitment needs to begin now with an understanding of what it will take and the impact of unintended consequences that may result.”
The Presidents will initiate an educational course into the student’s curriculum that will allow them to get involved and understand what is going on in the environment. They will begin purchasing products that are energy-efficient, such as Energy Star products.
When asked about the commitment, University President John Cavanaugh said “the statement raises several good points, but does so in a way that does not take local situations and opportunities into account.” President Cavanaugh has not signed the commitment, although many students believe that he should.
“I think that he should sign it because UWF is a community that features a very close encounter with nature, and there is already a “green” friendly atmosphere present at the school, said Chrisitan Confer, a UWF student. “The signing of a formal commitment that would build a relationship with students who work hard to help us save the environment, inspire those who don’t care about the environment… actively work to save the environment.”
“It’s always a good idea to help the environment,” said Joirob Smith, UWF alumni. “Someone needs to take the first step to rectify the situation.”
President Cavanaugh will not be signing the commitment because he supports “an approach that that does a better job at enabling local opportunities to be leveraged.”
“However, we are developing a similar statement that does reflect UWF’s unique opportunities that we will make public, said Cavanaugh, a draft is being reviewed by the Faculty Senate. We will also seek input form other key groups.”
The future of the environment rests in the hands of current and future students. Through education they can learn ways to improve the problems that have been created and find possible solutions.
“Universities are institutions for the development of thought, ideas and learning. They are designed to lead into the future and foster development of new technologies,” said Hugli.
