ASUU started the semester with a town hall at the University of Utah, discussing sustainability. The panel featured Lissa Larsen, associate director of sustainability; Allyson Hicks from the regulations office; Dr. Cheryl Pirozzi, a pulmonary studies professor; water advocate Alta Fairbourne; and Utah Senator Nate Blouin.
The focus was on environmental issues and Utah’s water usage.
Students voiced concerns about the university’s sustainability efforts. They asked about the University of Utah’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and its priorities. Grace Christiansen, a student, stressed the importance of creating innovative leaders who value sustainability. She said, “We need to think about the environment for future generations.”
Another student, Diego Ize-Cedillo, pointed out the lack of mention of sustainability in President Taylor Randall’s 2030 mission statement. “Why isn’t sustainability included this year?” he asked. In response, Alexis Lee, involved with the Climate Action Plan, mentioned that the team hadn’t been consulted about removing climate initiatives from the 2030 plan.
Water usage was also a hot topic. Despite cutting usage by 55 million gallons since 2022, questions arose about the university’s high water consumption. Larsen explained that water usage can depend on the season. “You can’t just tell everyone to use less water in a hot month,” she noted.
Fairbourne raised alarms about the Great Salt Lake, saying it’s “physically impossible” to return it to healthy levels by the time of the 2038 Winter Olympics. The Utah legislature aims to restore the lake by 2034, promising $200 million in funding. Blouin added that without action, Utah risks embarrassment during the Olympics if the landscape appears uninviting.
He highlighted the potential for showcasing Utah to the world, saying, “If the hills are brown, we jeopardize the success of the games.”
Fairbourne described the effort to save the Great Salt Lake as a “marathon.” She shared that they are suing the state for failing to protect the lake. “Just like Mono Lake faced a crisis, we too are fighting for public trust,” she said.
Larsen assured the students that their concerns from the forum will be prioritized. Blouin mentioned he would promote environmental initiatives in his upcoming campaign, including a return to geothermal energy.
Lee reflected on the forum’s impact, noting it showed that students care about sustainability. Various students echoed this sentiment, with Roman Fisher saying such discussions are crucial for making administrators aware that young people care about environmental issues.
As we navigate an era of climate change and environmental degradation, student engagement is vital. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 70% of young adults say they are worried about climate change, demonstrating a growing awareness of these issues.
The town hall at the University of Utah serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue between students and administration, highlighting a shared responsibility for sustainability.
For more information on sustainability efforts at universities nationwide, the American Association of Universities provides valuable resources.
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