Fordham University: Global Warming
Fordham Focuseson Global Warming Solutions - 03/03/2008
Despite the frigid temperatures on Jan. 31, Fordham's Rose Hill campus saw "green" thanks to Focus the Nation, a nationwide teach-in about global warming solutions.
The event, which included a wide range of presentations on topics from the effect of climate change on penguins to the greening of New York City streets, featured more than 40 speakers from various disciplines.
Focus the Nation was held at more than 1,100 colleges in 50 states. As a host university, Fordham took the opportunity to examine its ecological footprint and outline its environmental goals.
"We've reduced our electrical consumption by 23 percent over the past 10 years," said Marc Valera, associate vice president of facilities management for the University. "We're changing over to green cleaning chemicals, we're setting back our thermostats and . we're hoping to achieve 95 percent recycling of our waste," he added.
Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University, signed New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's challenge last June to reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent by 2030.
"Responsible stewardship of the Earth is a charge from God," and one that comes naturally to the Jesuit tradition, Father McShane said in a pre-recorded statement to the campus community.
Judith A. Jones, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, answered that call. With the support of the University administration, she began planning Fordham's participation in October, along with help from faculty such as Robin Andersen, Ph.D., professor of communication and media studies; Roger Panetta, Ph.D., visiting professor of history; and Sharon Livesey, associate professor of communications and media management. Student volunteers also played an integral part in the event planning.
"Fordham, with its morally focused institutional mission, has a role to play in leading the way toward a sustainable future," Jones continued. "And that has local overtones as well; we're one of the single biggest employers in the Bronx."
