Local Effort, Global Impact
This past week, students at Kalamazoo College joined their peers around the world to celebrate Worldwide Climate Justice and Education Week! Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week is a coordinated global initiative designed to cultivate interdisciplinary learning and action on matters of climate and justice. This event aims to unite thousands of institutions and tens of thousands of people in a shared commitment to creating a more equitable and sustainable world (Climate Week NYC, 2024).
Here at K, roughly 30 faculty members took time last week to teach about climate change and justice issues in their courses; they helped highlight how climate justice is an issue that needs hands-on action from all disciplines. They were joined by students and staff from across campus, who created and participated in environmental events all week! Read the highlights below:
Climate Week Recap
On Monday, all breakfast and lunch options served at the dining hall were plant-based! Meatless Monday was a great way to show it’s possible to fuel our Hornets in a more sustainable, planet-friendly way.
Wednesday brought a celebration of campus green spaces! During common time students explored the green spaces on the main campus, like the Hoop House, Jolly Gardens, and The Grove – some even won beautiful cloth napkins as a prize! Later that afternoon, a group headed out to Lillian Anderson arboretum to take a break from the bustle of first week and explore miles of beautiful wooded trails.
Interested in campus green spaces? Click to learn more about our growing spaces, composting, or the arboretum.
Thursday evening, our environmental student orgs gathered in Dewing commons for KlimateFest! They spoke to passersby about their vision for a more sustainable campus, and invited everyone to join in their efforts! After tabling, students enjoyed popcorn and watched a screening of Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring our World.
Missed out on KlimateFest, but still want to get involved with campus sustainability? Click here to learn about environmental action on campus.
During Friday’s community reflection at Stetson Chapel, several students gave moving speeches about the state of environmentalism on campus, and their hopes and dreams for K’s future climate action efforts. It was a great way to gather, reflect on what it means to work towards equitable environmentalism, and appreciate those speaking up for a greener future!
Finally, on Saturday, students traveled to KVCC for the Kalamazoo Foodways Symposium! They learned about African food, music, and culture through hands-on workshops, talks, and more! At the symposium, current K students got the chance to talk about their work in the Hoop House, which last summer was home to an abundant African diaspora food garden. Mingling with alumni and community members, the symposium was a phenomenal reminder of the important role K College green spaces play in the larger Kalamazoo Community.
Looking Forward
Thank you to all of the students, faculty, and staff who participated in Worldwide Climate Justice and Education Week! We may have a long way to go towards global sustainability, but the efforts that happened on campus this week – the passion of student orgs, the celebration of student projects, and the joy of gathering together outside – are some of the most important ways we can contribute to that goal. Stay tuned for more environmental events to come during Earth month!
