Greener pastures to come for NU

Thomas Friedman told NU students at University President Morton O. Schapiro’s inauguration we need to tell our policymakers “carbon tax now!” A price and cap on carbon is one step, but what else can we do as NU students to make sure the U.S. is not left behind as the world moves to global clean energy economy?

NU has shown it can adapt. The Associated Student Government announced plans this week to form a new committee focused on the environment and sustainability at NU, one that bridges relations between schools and groups. While there has always been some student-led action on the environment, the scene has been a little fractured in the past, making it hard for a strong, united voice on the environment to be heard at NU.

Now all that is about to change. Student groups, faculty and staff who deal with maintenance, recycling and food services have banded together to send a report to Schapiro on sustainability on campus. The report sprung from a class last year, showing NU can be a rich, interdisciplinary place to explore climate change solution. This new spirit of cooperation will also be highlighted Friday, when Students for Ecological and Environmental Development, Environmental Campus Outreach at Hillel; Engineers for a Sustainable World and NU Solar Car will unite to design a homecoming float in honor of the 350 International Day of Climate Action on Oct. 24.

Experts agree 350 parts per million is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide if the world wants to “avoid runaway climate change.” Learn about what 350 is and why it’s important at 350.org, and then show your support at NU’s very own officially registered 350 Day of Action event Friday. The world will be watching.

— Liana Balinsky-Baker
Deputy news editor,
Illinois youth delegate, Will Steger Foundation

THIS FRIDAY, October 23, after school, the New Trier Environmental Club in Winnetka, Ill., was organizing an event on the front lawn to raise awareness about climate change and encourage people to reduce their environmental impact in collaboration with 350.org’s international day of climate action. This event is one of over 3,500 actions occurring in nearly every country on the planet, and is likely the largest coordinated event in the history of mankind. Come be part of history and learn what you can do to make a difference at a personal, community and international level. There will be live music and free food provided by Fuel, a local restaurant committed to environmental responsibility. 
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Liana B. Baker
liana.b.baker@gmail.com