CONTRIBUTING WRITER – NATALIA BUSTAMENTE
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV 15 2023
This year, the world has witnessed climate change reaching unprecedented levels. From unbearable temperatures to devastating hurricanes and severe wildfires, citizens have grown anxious about environmental challenges regarding climate change. This has prompted advocates and numerous protests, emphasizing the critical need to address these pressing matters.
Universities, specifically New York University, have been adopting several environmentally conscious initiatives. This prestigious institution made a significant commitment to divest from fossil fuels, taking a stand against the climate change crisis. This move was prompted by the persistent advocacy of student activists who tirelessly advocated for action for over 10 years. T he university formalized the Graphic by Rena Estala commitment in August in a letter from William R. Berkeley, chair of NYU’s board of trustees, addressed to the student activist group. “New York University commits to avoid any direct investments in any company whose primary business is the exploration or extraction of fossil fuels, including all forms of coal, oil and natural gas, and not to renew dedicated private funds whose primary aim is to invest in the exploration or extraction of fossil fuels,” Berkeley wrote. Berkeley noted that NYU has taken additional measures to confront the climate crisis. These include significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions produced by energy emitted from buildings, establishing targets for lowering emissions related to food and committing to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2040. T his has inspired other student organizers to push university board members to disaffiliate from fossil fuel companies. Last month, a renowned environmental lawyer at Harvard University stepped down from a highly paid role at the oil and gas ConocoPhillips following months of pressure from activists.
Monserrat Garcia, a senior double major in political science and international and global studies, gave her insights on the topic: “Cumulative voices are pivotal to creating the change we want to see. I think it is extraordinary that NYU students were able to come together and advocate for NYU to divest from fossil fuels. It is even more inspirational to see that their actions, voices and hard work paid off in the end. These students demonstrate perseverance and hope if they can bring the change they wanted to see, so can we.” Professor of political science, Dr. Arturo Vega, provided valuable insights on the matter, highlighting instances from “Laudato Si,” and demonstrating the impact of social activism and consumer boycotts.
Additionally, Dr. Vega pointed to the successful student movements against South Africa’s apartheid in the 1960s to 1980s, emphasizing the need for time, organization and energy Pope Francis’s in such endeavors. He noted the challenge of sustaining movements as college students typically have limited time on campus and move on after graduation. “To succeed in such endeavors, one needs an organization that is willing to socialize and educate other students, willing to train a succession of leadership and willing to expend energy in building a sustainable organization. It can’t just be the flavor or trend of the week; it must be grounded well in organization.” Dr. Vega stressed that successful organizations must focus on educating and mobilizing students, grooming future leaders and establishing a robust foundation.