By Emma Hennessey

On September 23rd, faculty from St. Lawrence University and Clarkson University gathered to present and discuss the largest environmental issues facing our globe today with both students and community members, as part of this year’s environmental forum titled “Our Shared Reality.” Besides this faculty panel presentation, students were given many opportunities throughout the campus to listen to discussions, take part in workshops and generally learn more about environmental sustainability behaviors and what they can do to take part in them.

Jon Rosales, St. Lawrence University Environmental Studies professor and presenter at the faculty panel, listed one of his biggest hopes for St. Lawrence in terms of environmental progress is for the campus to ultimately be “Completely carbon neutral,” or with a carbon footprint of zero. Another one of his largest goals is the removal of the campus’ smokestack. “Getting rid of the smokestack is one of my biggest hopes while I’m here,” noted Rosales, “and many other faculty and students are committed to that happening too”.

Removing the famous addition to the campus skyline, recently mentioned in a piece by President Fox in last winter’s St. Lawrence University Magazine, can only happen if the central heating plant for the campus is replaced with another more sustainable alternative, which would drastically change how the university gets its energy.

In terms of progress on campus in regards to environmental sustainability, Rosales noted the work the divestment campaign has done towards being more sustainable. The divestment campaign is a campaign asking universities, cities and organizations throughout the globe to remove their stocks, bonds, or investments in fossil fuel companies. So far, only 13 universities in America have publicly committed to divest from fossil fuels, with St. Lawrence University not being one of them. St. Lawrence University’s Environmental Action Organization and their Divestment Committee have been working to push St. Lawrence University to fully divest by tabeling and creating petitions.

David Smith, president of St. Lawrence’s divestment club, spoke to the great amount of resources available on campus if students want to become involved in the movement. “There are so many clubs on campus students can get involved in and resources,” said Smith, “Just last week, 19 students sent emails asking if there was a way they could get to the People’s Climate March, so we found a way.” When asked what the biggest stigmas he wished to break regarding being environmentally conscious, Smith spoke to students being embarrassed about caring about the environment in the first place for the fear of being labeled a “tree hugger” or a “dirty hippie.” “I would just say, I hope students can not be ashamed about it,” said Smith, “it’s the right thing to do.”