This past Wednesday, May 20th, the Environmental Stewardship Center (ESC) hosted this year’s latest installment of the Climate Connections Series. Originating two years ago, the Climate Connection Series was started with the intent of increasing the Kalamazoo College community’s awareness on the specific goals and subgoals of our college’s Climate Action Plan (CAP).

The Environmental Responsibility Goal

This week, we focused on one goal in particular: the Environmental Responsibility Goal, which aims to “develop campus-wide efforts to educate the K College community about climate change—stretching beyond courses and academic programs.” (For more information about the other CAP goals, check out the official Climate Action Plan webpage!). The beginning of the event focused on providing attendees with a brief history of the CAP and what the Environmental Responsibility Goal encapsulated.

After introducing the event, we led a discussion on key parts of the Environmental Responsibility Goal, such as Community Action, Awareness, and Sustainable Dining and Investing. Students, staff, and faculty came together over (free!) bagels and coffee to discuss key issues and projects like recycling, the increase in composting over the years, and ways we could revitalize the divestment dashboard. A mix of brainstorming and information-swapping, attendees had the opportunity to partake in a meaningful, dynamic conversation on what we’ve accomplished so far and what work still needs our energy.

Future CCS Events

If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, but you couldn’t make it this time, don’t worry! We’ve got another Climate Connection Series event scheduled for this term. On Wednesday of Week 10 (June 3rd) at 11:00, come find us in Dewing Commons to talk about the Greenhouse Gas Goal. The Climate Action Plan Committee’s very own Susan Lindemann, the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management and Chief Sustainability Officer, will give a short presentation about greenhouse gas emissions on K’s campus followed by a quick activity hosted by ESC interns, Mia Pierce K’26 and Josie Belsky K’28. We hope to see you there!