Student Activism When It Feels Impossible
A personal student reflection on fighting climate inaction at Cornell in the time of AI. Addressing the despair that activists can feel, Lani asserts that silence is not an option when our silence condemns the future. Her activism with Cornell on Fire has included successes and there are more coming: “If you care about our climate, our future, and justice, then I welcome you too to embody your voice.”
Cornell Sustainability Summit: Seasonal Sadness
Our special newsletter orients you to 6 key questions that need to be answered at the upcoming Sustainable Cornell Summit on Monday, December 8. In years past, this annual event has neglected to provide quantitative reports on Cornell’s progress towards climate goals. We share Cornell’s own (disappointing) data, draw out the key issues, and note what to expect of a Sustainability Summit focused on climate action, not brand management.
Cornell has a gas problem
Newsletter #21 gives the scoop on what’s happened since our Decarbonization Report provoked an op-ed from President Kotlikoff and a flurry of public presentations from Cornell. There are positive signs that Ithaca will hold the line on their fossil-fuel phaseout law by requiring compliance from Cornell — but larger forces indicate that Cornell won’t solve their gas problem without bottom-up pressure. Read on to help us do so.
CoF Post 4/11: Notes from the above-ground
If the Cornell administration thinks it’s hard to do research on a $1-billion funding cut, they should try doing research on a dead planet. American democracy (such as it is) is imperiled. As we fight back, let’s keep the long view and tend to what matters: life on earth. In that spirit, we share notes and invite you to join our latest efforts to raise the cost of the status quo for those who would pursue climate business as usual.
CoF Post 2/13: A true story – decarbonization at a crossroads
Cornell’s decarbonization is at a crossroads. Much has transpired since we shared the white paper on Cornell’s decarbonization pathways with you on December 30. Here, we share highlights of recent developments and how the drama has caused us to reflect upon larger questions.