Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG) is reaching out to students and faculty for help in establishing a contract with Chancellor Wiley that commits UW-Madison to the Campus Climate Challenge.
The Challenge is a plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions on campus by 2 percent every year, resulting in a 90 percent decrease from current levels by the year 2050. WISPIRG is asking the student body to show the administration at UW-Madison that we care about our campus' health, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the prevention of global warming.
We, as a student body, can show support for this change of policy by turning out lights when not in a room, turning off computers when they are not in use, and participating in a Day of Action and Solar Power Cookout on October 19. These simple conservation methods, among others, will ultimately prove to Chancellor Wiley that we want our university to sign on to the Campus Climate Challenge.
The Campus Climate Challenge is run on campuses across the nation. Historically, projects that have had tremendous environmental, social and economical implications have been initiated and accomplished by college students.
Margaret Meade, a world renowned anthropologist, once said, \Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."" College students have proven Meade right many times.
This is a necessary change with affordable and efficient solutions to our environmental tribulations available right now. It is possible to make a difference. Take The Challenge.
Tegan Costanza
Sophomore, Business major
WISPIRG intern
Big red go green campaign
