The Cornell Free Speech Alliance helped organize a debate on climate change at the University on Wednesday, which generated mixed opinions from the students, faculty and alumni in attendance.
It is encouraging to see Cornell’s ongoing, significant commitments to sustainability, as detailed in “Cornell Doubles-Down Commitment to Sustainability Measures Despite Pandemic.” While the Cornell Climate Action Plan is admirable, larger scale, statewide initiatives are obviously needed, and change will not be delivered from experts alone. As New York residents, Cornell students must fight for an equitable energy transition. Why is this important? Climate change kills over 150,000 people per year, according to the WHO, while air pollution kills 6.5 million annually, as estimated by IEA. This annual death toll already exceeds the most deadly genocides of the twentieth century.
After three separate forums featuring different state assembly candidates for the 125th district, the Sunrise Movement is set to make their endorsement decision. Review their stances on the most hot button climate issues.
Protestors have blocked the intersection of Tower Road and East Avenue since 1 p.m. demanding that Cornell University end its investments in the fossil fuel industry, joining activists on campuses across the country on international divestment day.
After seven years of student activism to encourage the Board of Trustees to divest from fossil fuels, Climate Justice Cornell is escalating the fight by filing a complaint to New York Attorney General Letitia James to initiate an investigation into Cornell University’s continued investment in fossil fuels.