The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) organized a special workshop on higher education’s role in sustainability and resilience. The discussion leaned into the connectedness of environmental issues and approaching sustainability with a holistic mindset. Attending workshops on efforts such as these offer invaluable insights that can inspire action and spark important change. Andy Hong, Assistant Professor within the Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, shares his own key takeaways and encouragement on why awareness on these issues matter.
“They talked a lot about the importance of of systems thinking, which helps us understand that everything is connected.” shares Hong. By seeing the bigger picture, we can approach sustainability with a holistic mindset, addressing the root causes of environmental issues rather than just the symptoms. Leadership also played a major role in the discussions, with a focus on the need for “visible and committed leaders at all levels.” As Hong put it, leadership should be present in both senior positions and on the ground, encouraging everyone to take part in sustainability efforts.
The workshop also emphasized community partnerships as essential for success. “Building partnerships with local organizations and involving the community” ensures that sustainability projects are not only effective but also relevant to the people they aim to help. In this way, the community becomes a driving force for positive change, ensuring long-term success.
An important strategy discussed was the need to combine moral reasons with practical benefits. Professor Hong highlighted that sustainability shouldn’t just be framed as an ethical obligation, but also as a practical choice. For example, investing in renewable energy not only helps the planet but can also lead to significant “cost savings in the long run.”
Within the panel discussion section of the workshop, the role of students was particularly highlighted. “Students can play a crucial role in driving sustainability efforts, emphasizing a bottom-up approach where student initiatives and demands push institutions to do more and better.” Hong exclaimed. It’s recognized that involving all members of a community is vital to strengthen the impact of these efforts and higher education is not unique to that grass rooted effort.
Sustainability is a moving target, and keeping the conversation alive is essential. According to Hong, “sustainability challenges are always changing,” so it’s crucial to keep sharing ideas and knowledge. Workshops like these help ensure sustainability remains a top priority by bringing together experts, community members, and students. They allow for collaboration across institutions and disciplines, shaping policies and keeping everyone updated on the best practices.
Hong encourages individuals to join professional organizations like Second Nature or the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to stay connected to climate action and sustainability efforts. These groups hold regular conferences and provide platforms for ongoing learning and involvement. For those looking to make a local impact, reaching out to the Sustainability Office on campus is a great starting point to learn more about sustainability events and initiatives.
Attending workshops like these and getting involved in sustainability initiatives offers an opportunity to be part of a positive, global movement for change. Whether you’re a student or a community member, there’s a place for you to contribute and make a lasting impact!
Special thank you to Professor Andy Hong
|| Paulina Sylvester, College of Architecture and Planning