Student-led summit to explore climate change justice

Contact: Jeff Spoelstra

Text says, "2022 Student Sustainability Summit." There are four images of different student groups on campus.KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The second annual WMU Student Sustainability Summit will provide an opportunity for students across Western Michigan University to share specific concerns on the broad theme of climate change justice. The hybrid in-person and virtual summit, planned for Friday, March 4, from noon to 3 p.m., is supported by the Western Student Association, the Graduate Student Association, the Office for Sustainability, the Climate Change Working Group, the 2020 Medallion Scholars and the Strategic Planning Sustainability Working Group.

Summit participants will explore shared concerns around the broad theme of climate justice from a holistic perspective where interests in the environment, politics, culture, economics, biodiversity and social issues intersect.

Students and groups not affiliated with traditional environmental interests are highly encouraged to participate. This summit will serve as a platform to share common concerns about the climate crisis, learn about the perspectives of our diverse student body and prioritize actions Western could take that address climate justice, the climate crisis and the advancement of sustainability at WMU.

Donation for Campus Sustainability

The WMU Office for Sustainability will contribute $500 in support of campus sustainability activities. Summit participants will vote on how to apply the donation during the meeting.

The event is open to the public. Faculty, staff and community members interested in learning from student perspectives are welcome attend and listen. Collaborators will share student concerns, priorities and visions with University administration to fulfill the call for strategic planning input on broad sustainability themes.

For more information and to register for the summit, visit wmich.edu/sustainability/events/summit-0 or contact the Office for Sustainability at wmu-sustainability@wmich.edu or (269) 387-0943.

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