“CSU is a leader in fighting climate change. Let’s go one step further.”
Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our generation, which is why I am committed to doing something about it. We are once again on pace to exceed the mark for hottest year on record, which was set in 2015. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that humans are the number one cause of climate change. We are seeing the effects in the form of severe droughts, abnormal weather patterns, increasing temperatures, melting sea ice, as well as many more. This is a global issue and it affects us here in Colorado. Climate change is affecting the water shortages in the west, which will hurt skiing and snowboarding as well as threaten the beautiful ecosystems and animals that Colorado is known for.
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Recently, scientists found that the Earth passed the 400 ppm carbon dioxide threshold in the atmosphere permanently.This means that we can no longer afford to wait to act on climate change. Fortunately, we have a plan for President Frank set to make CSU run on 100% renewable electricity by the year 2030.
The campus community overwhelming supports this plan. We have gathered over 4,000 signatures from students, as well as endorsements from key faculty, administrators, and the Student Government President. We need everyone to join us in our fight against climate change and the plan that is set is a major step in that direction. Many colleges across the country are involved in the fight for renewable energy, but this is an opportunity to put CSU in front. We urge President Frank to commit to this plan and make Colorado State University a leader in environmental sustainability.
Robbie Maldonado
Sophomore; Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Major
CSU Going 100% Committed: A Solution to Climate Change
Climate change is happening. We are already seeing the effects of climate change here in Colorado. Colorado is becoming drier due to less precipitation, decreasing snowpack, and higher temperatures. This will affect tourism and agriculture, two of Colorado’s largest economic sectors. The threat that climate change poses to Colorado is why Colorado has been at the forefront of inhibiting climate change, with former governors leading environmental initiatives and the state pursuing policies to help grow renewables in cooperation with energy producers. Right here at CSU we can make a difference by committing the university to 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
There are undoubtedly many ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Renewable energy, especially solar and wind, have been expanding and increasing in efficiency. In fact, between 2010 and 2015 the cost of photovoltaic modules for solar panels fell between 75 and 80%. Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the United States and the Eastern Plains is an ideal location for wind farms. My own family in Limon has replaced a portion of their farm land with wind turbines.
The Climate Reality Project Campus Corp CSU has collected over 4000 signatures in the first four weeks of this semester and have received endorsements ranging from Daniela Pineda-Soraca, the President of ASCSU, to administrative officials, and faculty members, all in support of CSU transitioning to 100% renewable electricity. Because of the overwhelming support of the campus community, I encourage President Frank to commit to making CSU 100% renewable by 2030.
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Ben Newsom
Junior
Business Administration
