By Sydney Murray, Sustainability Office The impacts of pollution are felt all around the world, but they are not felt equally. Low-income and minority communities are often deprived of resources and political protections, leaving them to face the brunt of environmental pollution and its health consequences including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. On Tuesday, February 14 at […]
Read MoreBy Sydney Murray, Sustainability Office Respondings to climate change has entangled social, cultural, political, and environmental implications. Often, when these implications are overlooked or disregarded, researchers, policymakers, and community members face “maladaptive outcomes,” or consequences of adaptation efforts that don’t go to plan and incur negative outcomes. On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Dr. Amanda Bertana, assistant […]
Read MoreThis article was originally written by Kate Whitbeck and published in @theu on Feb. 5, 2020. It was updated in 2023 by Maria Archibald. Want to stay warm this winter while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions? Consider participating in our program Heat People, Not Spaces! If you are an employee of the University of […]
Read MoreFor me, every January begins full of hope. A new year. A fresh start. This will be the year we accomplish our goals–the year we change the world! Then, of course, life happens. We break new year’s resolutions, we experience hardship, we endure tragedy. It gets harder to feel hopeful. But hope is a funny […]
Read MoreCold Weather Cranking! It’s winter, and many people don’t have bicycling on the mind. But keeping the cranks rolling during the colder months is a great way to stay active and reduce stress during the holidays. Winter bicycling is not just for the hardcore go-getters. Anyone can enjoy winter biking—if you prepare appropriately. How do […]
Read MoreBy Sydney Murray, Sustainability Office Research shows that disseminating scientific information is, in itself, an insufficient way to prompt meaningful dialogue among the general public. Rather, the way in which science is communicated has more of an impact to promote change. For scientific findings to catalyze social change, they must be communicated in accessible and comprehensible […]
Read MoreBy Sydney Murray, Sustainability Office Achievements in human development often come at the expense of the natural environment. From metropolitan expansion to the development of agricultural land for food production, environmental conservation efforts have historically conflicted with human “progress.” Over the past 20-30 years, however, the field of conservation has adopted the idea that conservation […]
Read MoreThe Sustainability Office celebrated our cyclists with another successful U Bike Week this September. Seven events hosted by campus departments encouraged people to ride together. Promotions included coffee shop discounts and social media contests – there was something for every cyclist! Highlights of the week: Volunteers counted over 1,400 bicycles parked at racks or secure […]
Read MoreBy Sydney Murray, Sustainability Office Green spaces—like urban parks, gardens, and trail systems—have a variety of benefits for human health, ecosystems, and economic growth. Studies show that green spaces can help reduce stress levels, mitigate regional and local flooding from storms, and improve air and water quality. However, not everyone has equal access to green […]
Read MoreBy Sydney Murray, Sustainability Office Higher education sustainability has changed significantly over the last decade. A field that once supported sustainability for the sake of business and profit has since adopted a more holistic model—one that that centers social equity and inclusion alongside environmental and economic concerns. “I’ve been doing this work for twenty years […]
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