http://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=home<p> Hello! Like clean air? Like snowboarding? Like maple syrup? Campus Climate Challenge is about all that. We're still working on this website, but keep an eye out for updates! Cheers! </p>http://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=home<p>We are trying to collect over 1000 student signatures on our petition to urge Whitman College to develop a strategic long-term plan to achieve climate neutrality by Spring Break. If you have not signed our petition yet and would like to, either look for us tabling at the Reid Campus Center, look for the climate superheroes on Monday, or email Juliana at williajm@whitman.edu. The text of the petition is below:</p> <p><strong>Petition to Reduce Whitman College's Contribution to Global Warming</strong></p> <p>We, the undersigned students of Whitman College, believe that reducing the College's contribution to global warming is in the best interests of the College and should be a top priority for Whitman. In accordance with the College's Environmental Principles and its mission "to encourage creativity, character, and responsibility," we believe that Whitman can and should take a leading role in the fight to stop the devastating effects of global climate change. We urge the College to take action to reduce its global warming emissions by improving the efficiency of its buildings, increasing its purchase of clean renewable energy, reducing the emissions that result from the transport of goods and individuals to and from the campus, and developing an incremental long-term strategy to achieve carbon neutrality."</p>http://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=home<p>On Sunday, March 4th, the Senate of the Associated Student of Whitman College passed the Climate Responsibility Resolution! Also on Monday we had our climate superhero day, which was a ton of fun and helped us collect a lot more signatures on our peition.</p> <p>TITLE: CLIMATE RESPONSIBILITY RESOLUTION</p> <p>SPONSOR: JULIA NELSON</p> <p>PASSED: SUNDAY, 4 MARCH 2007</p> <p>WHEREAS, the available time frame for taking enough action to prevent the worst effects of climate change is less than a decade, according to Dr. James Hansen of NASA?s Goddard Institute for Space Studies; and</p> <p>WHEREAS, over100 colleges and universities around the United States have signed onto the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which will lead to climate neutrality; and</p> <p>WHEREAS, over 515 colleges and universities across the country, including Whitman College, are actively participating in the Campus Climate Challenge, which aims to lessen the impact institutions of higher education have on global climate change; and</p> <p>WHEREAS, the Governors from Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and New Mexico have agreed to the Northwest Regional Climate Action Initiative, which will set regional greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets; and</p> <p>WHEREAS, Whitman College prides itself on being a leader in environmental responsibility; and</p> <p>WHEREAS, Whitman College aims to ?strive to improve upon current practices so we may harmonize the trends of the industrial world with the natural environment,? in accordance with its Environmental Principles; and</p> <p>WHEREAS, Whitman College helps future leaders develop their sense of responsibility to broader communities; and</p> <p>WHEREAS, Whitman College currently lacks a strategic plan for addressing its contribution to climate change,</p> <p>THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF WHITMAN COLLEGE, that Whitman College should adopt a comprehensive plan to mitigate its contribution to climate change; be it further</p> <p>RESOLVED, that Whitman College sign on to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment; be it further</p> <p>RESOLVED, that the practical comprehensive plan should match Whitman College?s ideological commitment to environmental and social responsibility; be it further</p> <p>RESOLVED, that this resolution be distributed according to the ASWC By-Laws to: Board of Trustees, George Bridges, Peter Harvey, Jed Schwendiman, Pat Spencer, Dean Kaufman-Osborn, Dean Cleveland, George Theo, Dan Park and the Whitman College Pioneer.</p>http://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=home<p>This is a little slow in getting up here, but we met our goal and collected <strong>over 1000 student signatures</strong> on our petition! Also out of the 130 schools to sign onto the <a href="http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/">Presidents Climate Commitment</a>, 14 are in Washington. It's time for Whitman to follow their lead and step up their commitment</p>http://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=photosPicture courtesey of Robert Carsonhttp://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=photosPicture courtesey of Robert Carsonhttp://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=photosPicture courtesey of Robert Carsonhttp://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=homeHey all you world-savers! Enormous thanks for those who plan on being committed leaders in the Campus Climate Challenge this year. Our meeting was very successful today. For those of you who missed out, here's a quick overview of what we accomplished and plan on rocking this year: We over-viewed last year's accomplishments, which include: Over two-thirds of the student body signing the petition to reduce Whitman's contribution to climate change; helping to pass I-937 (WA state to use 20% renewable energy by 2020); participation in the nationwide "Step it Up" event; encouraging President Bridges to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment; hosting Climate Action Week and several films; and re-writing Whitman's Environmental Principles. Established POSITIONS: • Katie King and Sarah Judkins: co-chairs • Lisa Curtis: media chair • Katie Rouse: recruitment chair • Kate Farrington and Maia Hansen: events • Camila Thorndike: secretary EVENTS for this semester (woot woot!): o “Focus the Nation” <a href="www.focusthenation.org"> Focus the Nation </a> • When: January 31 2008 • Objective: to educate students and community about climate change and promote activism • Leadership: potentially Daniel/Megan/Katie R.? o “Who’s a Leader?” <a href="http://stepitup2007.org/"> Step It Up </a> • When: November 3, 2007 • Tentative idea: gather around site or person of significance in American history to call politicians to action • Leadership: Jenny Gilbert o “Global Change, Local Challenge” : A community conference (involving three colleges in the area) on how we can prepare for the local impacts of global warming and declining oil production • When: November 7-9, 2007 • PROJECTS: o “Green dorms”/ pursuing a possible model dorm room for sustainable living and energy efficiency. Leadership: Beth Frieden o Continuation of environmental-focuses Freshman Orientation 2008 (spearheaded by Katie King and Mary Zatochill for 2007) o Energy auditing of Whitman by environmental study interns Leadership: Katie King, Charlie and Amy Molitor • Objective: gather information on current energy situation to reduce use (buildings, fixtures, transportation…) • Getting interns to conduct an energy audit at Whitman o Revolving fund Leadership: Brittany Smith • Background: approx. $12,000 raised 06-07 year by Campus Greens • Current use: Blue Sky energy Goal: parent and alumni contributions of $15,000 o Whitman Policy: Meeting with George Bridges Getting Whitman to commit to a Long-term plan for sustainability and climate neutrality. Begins with signing of the American Presidents Climate Commitment, outlining steps to reduce contribution to climate change and work toward campus neutrality. CHECK IT OUT! http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/html/commitment.php Also includes --->Establishment of Campus Neutrality Committee (faculty, administration,and students) Leadership: Katie K., Brittany, Daniel, Megan, Mary Zatochill o Regional coordinator/ networking: Maia Hansen? Work with Walla Walla College and other northwest student activists to coordinate activities o Focus on politics: state and federal 2008 campaigns And, to wrap it up... PLEASE keep messages to the listserv concise, appropriate, and occasional. Quality, not quantity! Keep thinking about what role you want to play this year...next meeting it's time to jump in with our new recruits! Again, thanks so much. We had an awesome turn-out and are STOKED for this year! See you next Tuesday at the first big group meeting (with all the new signups) Camila Thorndike CCC Secretaryhttp://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=home<li>Hey all you world-savers! <li>Enormous thanks for those who plan on being committed leaders in the Campus Climate Challenge this year. Our meeting was very successful today. For those of you who missed out, here's a quick overview of what we accomplished and plan on rocking this year: <li> <li>We over-viewed last year's accomplishments, which include: <li> Over two-thirds of the student body signing the petition to reduce Whitman's contribution to climate change; helping to pass I-937 (WA state to use 20% renewable energy by 2020); participation in the nationwide "Step it Up" event; encouraging President Bridges to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment; hosting Climate Action Week and several films; and re-writing Whitman's Environmental Principles. <hr> <li><strong>Established POSITIONS:</strong> <ul> <li> Katie King and Sarah Judkins: co-chairs <li> Lisa Curtis: media chair <li> Katie Rouse: recruitment chair <li> Kate Farrington and Maia Hansen: events <li> Camila Thorndike: secretary </ul> <hr> <strong>EVENTS for this semester (woot woot!):</strong> <li>“Focus the Nation” <a href="http://www.focusthenation.org"> Focus the Nation </a> <li>When: January 31 2008 <li>Objective: to educate students and community about climate change and promote activism <li>Leadership: potentially Daniel/Megan/Katie R.? “Who’s a Leader?” <a href="http://stepitup2007.org/"> <li> Step It Up </a> <li> When: November 3, 2007 <li> Tentative idea: gather around site or person of significance in American history to call politicians to action <li>Leadership: Jenny Gilbert <li><strong>“Global Change, Local Challenge”</strong>: A community conference (involving three colleges in the area) on how we can prepare for the local impacts of global warming and declining oil production <li> <li>When: November 7-9, 2007 <hr> <li><strong>PROJECTS:</strong> <li> <li> “Green dorms”/ pursuing a possible model dorm room for sustainable living and energy efficiency. <li> Leadership: Beth Frieden <li>Continuation of environmental-focuses Freshman Orientation 2008 (spearheaded by Katie King and Mary Zatochill for 2007) <ul> <li> Energy auditing of Whitman by environmental study interns <li>Leadership: Katie King, Charlie and Amy Molitor <li> Objective: gather information on current energy situation to reduce use (buildings, fixtures, transportation...) <li> Getting interns to conduct an energy audit at Whitman </ul> <li> <li><strong>Revolving fund</strong> <ul> <li>Leadership: Brittany Smith <li>Background: approx. $12,000 raised 06-07 year by Campus Greens <li> Current use: Blue Sky energy </ul> <li><strong> Goal:</strong> parent and alumni contributions of $15,000 <hr> <li><strong>Whitman Policy: Meeting with George Bridges</strong> <li>Getting Whitman to commit to a Long-term plan for sustainability and climate neutrality. <li>Begins with signing of the American Presidents Climate Commitment, outlining steps to reduce contribution to climate change and work toward campus neutrality.! <li><a href="http://www. presidentsclimatecommitment.org/html/commitment.php”> President’s Climate Commitment </a> <li>Also includes Establishment of Campus Neutrality Committee (faculty, administration,and students) <li>Leadership: Katie K., Brittany, Daniel, Megan, Mary Zatochill <hr> <li> <strong>Regional coordinator/ networking </strong> <li> Leadership: Maia Hansen? <li> Work with Walla Walla College and other northwest student activists to coordinate activities <hr> <li> <strong>Focus on politics <strong> <li> Leadership: Camila Thorndike and Lisa Curtis <li> state and federal 2008 campaigns <li>Again, thanks so much. We had an awesome turn-out and are STOKED for this year! <li> See you next Tuesday at the first big group meeting (with all the new signups) <li>Camila Thorndike <li>CCC Secretaryhttp://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=home<li>Hey all you world-savers! <li>Enormous thanks for those who plan on being committed leaders in the Campus Climate Challenge this year. Our meeting was very successful today. For those of you who missed out, here's a quick overview of what we accomplished and plan on rocking this year: <li> <li>We over-viewed last year's accomplishments, which include: <li> Over two-thirds of the student body signing the petition to reduce Whitman's contribution to climate change; helping to pass I-937 (WA state to use 20% renewable energy by 2020); participation in the nationwide "Step it Up" event; encouraging President Bridges to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment; hosting Climate Action Week and several films; and re-writing Whitman's Environmental Principles. <hr> <li><strong>Established POSITIONS:</strong> <ul> <li> Katie King and Sarah Judkins: co-chairs <li> Lisa Curtis: media chair <li> Katie Rouse: recruitment chair <li> Kate Farrington and Maia Hansen: events <li> Camila Thorndike: secretary </ul> <hr> <strong>EVENTS for this semester (woot woot!):</strong> <li>“Focus the Nation” <a href="http://www.focusthenation.org"> Focus the Nation </a> <li>When: January 31 2008 <li>Objective: to educate students and community about climate change and promote activism <li>Leadership: potentially Daniel/Megan/Katie R.? “Who’s a Leader?” <a href="http://stepitup2007.org/"> <li> Step It Up </a> <li> When: November 3, 2007 <li> Tentative idea: gather around site or person of significance in American history to call politicians to action <li>Leadership: Jenny Gilbert <li><strong>“Global Change, Local Challenge”</strong>: A community conference (involving three colleges in the area) on how we can prepare for the local impacts of global warming and declining oil production <li> <li>When: November 7-9, 2007 <hr> <li><strong>PROJECTS:</strong> <li> <li> “Green dorms”/ pursuing a possible model dorm room for sustainable living and energy efficiency. <li> Leadership: Beth Frieden <li>Continuation of environmental-focuses Freshman Orientation 2008 (spearheaded by Katie King and Mary Zatochill for 2007) <ul> <li> Energy auditing of Whitman by environmental study interns <li>Leadership: Katie King, Charlie and Amy Molitor <li> Objective: gather information on current energy situation to reduce use (buildings, fixtures, transportation...) <li> Getting interns to conduct an energy audit at Whitman </ul> <li> <li><strong>Revolving fund</strong> <ul> <li>Leadership: Brittany Smith <li>Background: approx. $12,000 raised 06-07 year by Campus Greens <li> Current use: Blue Sky energy </ul> <li><strong> Goal:</strong> parent and alumni contributions of $15,000 <hr> <li><strong>Whitman Policy: Meeting with George Bridges</strong> <li>Getting Whitman to commit to a Long-term plan for sustainability and climate neutrality. <li>Begins with signing of the American Presidents Climate Commitment, outlining steps to reduce contribution to climate change and work toward campus neutrality.! <li><a href="http://www. presidentsclimatecommitment.org/html/commitment.php”> President’s Climate Commitment </a> <li>Also includes Establishment of Campus Neutrality Committee (faculty, administration,and students) <li>Leadership: Katie K., Brittany, Daniel, Megan, Mary Zatochill <hr> <li> <strong>Regional coordinator/ networking </strong> <li> Leadership: Maia Hansen? <li> Work with Walla Walla College and other northwest student activists to coordinate activities <hr> <li> <strong>Focus on politics <strong> <li> Leadership: Camila Thorndike and Lisa Curtis <li> state and federal 2008 campaigns <li>Again, thanks so much. We had an awesome turn-out and are STOKED for this year! <li> See you next Tuesday at the first big group meeting (with all the new signups) <li>Camila Thorndike <li>CCC Secretary http://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=home<li><strong>MIDSEMESTER GROUP UPDATES</strong> <ol> <li><strong> POLICY:</strong> About a month ago they met with school administration to present the CCC President's Commitment, and are about to meet with the Jed Schwindemann and others again. The group is currently writing a formal letter to the College and proposing a timeline for our goal of climate neutrality. <li><strong> FOCUS THE NATION: </strong> So far, the group has 3 nights of events planned for the first week of November for the nation-wide event, which include presentations by professors focusing on climate change. They aim to generate enthusiasm for the main event which will go down on Thursday in Cordiner: a forum with a [hitherto undecided] keynote speaker. <li><strong> GREEN DORMS/FRESHMAN: </strong> <li> So far, they have looked into options for sample "green" dorms. They have also written the first draft of a packet with suggestions for environmentally-friendly living for incoming students and dorm-residents. The group is also running the JanStart orientation with a CC focus. They will email the climate listserve with the first draft for comments. <li><strong> DONATION FUND FOR CLEAN ENERGY:</strong> <li> The group will be drafting a letter for students to send to friends and family asking for clean energy contributions in their name, as was accomplished last year to great success. They will eventually need help tabling. <li><strong>POLITICS:</strong> <li>Right now, the group is focusing on the "Ecological Footprint" event for November 5-8 following Step it Up. There will be tables with the online test set up, as well as goodies and the opportunity to trace one's foot and show how many "worlds" you consume unsustainably. People will walk away (potentially) having pledge to decrease their footprints and with information on how to do so. A propaganda-like art piece will be assembled from these "feet."They are also researching candidates and are looking to start an educational effort to inform voters of potential presidents' stance on CC. <li><strong>LOCAL FOODS:</strong> <li> Marina just met with the head chef of Bon Appetit about the group's goal of creating a permanent structure that will facilitate farmer-buyer connections. <li> Then came CURT...who ROCKS. He told us about his work through WCTS to get software on campus computers that will shut them down (to sleep mode) while not being used, which could save the college up to $50/computer/year - money that could go toward solar panels for the school. Exciting! <li> Also, he introduced the movement toward lowering heating temperatures in academic buildings that people do not use during the night. <li> We formed a group interested in taking this project on: <li>Camila Thorndike, Erica Goad, Annie Horman, Harry Wag, Elli Matiken, Brittany Smith and Megan Bush. <li> Camila (I hate writing in the third person) will soon meet with Curt and glean him of his knowledge, and then contact the group to get things moving. <li><strong>THANK YOU EVERYONE</strong> <li> I can only echo Katie's words of admiration and gratitude to you all! <li> Till next Tuesday, <li>Camila http://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=homeCampus Climate Challenge recently participated in a nation-wide event called Focus the Nation <ahref="http://focusthenation.org/"> <li> The event was a big success, speakers will held throughout the week ending with keynote speaker Christine Ervine <ahref="http://www.christineervin.com/">, the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy and First President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council—home of LEED and Greenbuild as well as the Director of the innovative Oregon Department of Energyhttp://www.whitman.edu/climatechallenge/index.cfm?content=homeWe are conducting a survey to gage student interest in climate change at Whitman. Check it out! <script src="http://www.surveymonkey.com/jsPop.aspx?sm=nFrJ9qfFLR6J7Dc3crHebw_3d_3d"> </script>