Colleges and Universities Lead the Way in Addressing the Challenges of Global Warming

A panel of NAICU member institution presidents discussed ways their campuses are innovating to address global warming.

Panelists included Lorna Edmundson, president of Wilson College; Larry Shinn, president of Berea College; Daniel Sullivan, president of St. Lawrence University; and, David Shi, president of Furman University. All four participate in the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.

According to the panel, colleges and universities can play a major role in fighting global warming by serving as a model for their surrounding communities. Said Sullivan, "What we choose to do will bring into being alternatives for others in the region."

Further, green initiatives on campuses often give rise to new businesses in the local community as local entrepreneurs seize the opportunity to provide green services to institutions.

Is it easy for a campus to go green? No, responded Sullivan, "making wise decisions requires a level of analysis that can be paralyzing." Is it worth it? Yes, according to the panel. Large short-term investments often reap substantial long-term rewards.