We would like to express our support for the Climate Neutral Campus project, proposed by Ethan Nelson and Steve Mital, to be funded by over-realized incidental fee money. Global climate change is the biggest issue of our generation. It’s time for the University of Oregon to lead the way by taking responsibility for our role in reducing global warming.
The Climate Neutral Campus project would provide funding for a full-time sustainability coordinator and for projects that would help reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. The proposal also aims to leverage additional money for future projects through matching funds. There are other good proposals that identify projects for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but only this one takes a comprehensive approach by prioritizing those projects that will give the “biggest bang for the buck.”
Campuses across the nation are hiring full-time sustainability coordinators. At the UO, we currently have only a quarter of a coordinator, despite our reputation for leadership in the field. The budget surplus presents a unique opportunity for the students to express a commitment to the future of the UO campus and beyond. Please support the Climate Neutral Campus project!
Sarah Mazze
Neighborhood Program Manager, UO Climate Leadership Initiative
Ben Lubbers
Chair, Environmental Planners and Policy-makers