This Student Assembly Elections, you have a chance to do your part in the greatest challenge facing our generation — combating global warming. On March 5th to 7th, students will vote on the SA Referendum asking “Should the Student Activity Fee include an additional $5/semester to support renewable energy? Should this fee be mandatory or voluntary?”

I am not telling you to vote “Yes” and “Mandatory,” but I will ask for your consideration.

The debate regarding climate change is over. Last month, an international panel of over 1,500 of the world’s leading scientists concluded with over 90 percent certainty that humans are causing climate change. Moreover, unless dramatic action is taken soon, there may be dire consequences. As stated in the Stern Report, the economic benefits of taking action now will far outweigh the costs of living in a dramatically changed world.

Unlike any other challenge facing our generation, the climate crisis pervades just about every aspect of life. Our continued use of fossil-fuel energy to power Cornell’s homes, buildings, and transportation leaves us all responsible. While we may be helpless to enact climate change legislation, for the first time in Cornell’s history, we can individually reduce our carbon footprint.

In wake of President Skorton’s commitment to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050, the undergraduate body must respond in kind. As the ultimate tragedy of the commons, combating climate change requires collective action. By investing merely $5/semester, each Cornell student can collectively replace 5 percent of our fossil fuel based electricity with clean renewable energy. Instead of contributing to the problem, Cornellians can finally be part of the solution.

Part of that solution means choosing wisely. By voting “mandatory,” you can ensure that Cornell’s commitment is not weakened by free-riders. Global warming needs every person to step up to the plate, not just those seeking to free-ride off the socially conscious. A firm commitment by the student body requires nothing less than full participation.

As Cornell has made a long-term commitment to future generations, so must we. Up until now, an improved quality of life seemed to be a fact of life for successive generations. That truth is now in jeopardy.

If every person on earth spent an extra 10 dollars a year to offset their carbon contributions, maybe we could reverse trends of warming, rising sea levels and dangerously more severe hurricanes. Maybe we too could leave our planet a better place to live for future generations.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t believe $5/semester is a panacea for global warming. However, I do believe self-empowerment is the only way we are going to effectively address the problem. By taking responsibility for our collective harm, we can firmly implant a conservationist ethic in our generation, so that our children are not left paying the bill.

Since my graduation in 2005, I have been a spectator in Cornell’s efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. After garnering the signatures of nearly 2,000 Cornellians in April 2005, I thought we had sufficient support to create a Renewable Energy Fund. To my dismay, the Student Assembly disagreed in September 2005. Nearly a year and a half later, it dawned on me that the only way to convince the SA. that undergraduates were serious about climate change was to give them the power of the vote. A unanimous Student Assembly agreed.

As a spectator in this year’s SA Election, I lack the power to vote. Ideally, I would like someone to vote for an old alumni’s wishes, but that’s not really what I’m asking.

Global warming is neither an undergraduate nor an alumni issue. Both present and future members of the global community must face it head on. If not, they surely gamble at their peril.

Today through Wednesday, you have an opportunity to make a difference. The global community is not asking for your opinion. The age of opinions is past. What we are asking for is a commitment. Are you ready to contribute your share of the solution to the greatest challenge facing this generation?

Andrew Schatz ’05 currently attends Georgetown University Law Center, where he is studying environmental law.