Office of Sustainability Newsletter Volume 21, September 2022

September 18, 2022

The academic year of 2022-2023 is a fresh start to a new initiative "#AUCCLIMATECHANGE" that AUC is wholeheartedly committed to. This year is unlike any other year! It's more like the world is watching us worldwide for the COP27 (Conference of Parties) that is taking place in Egypt in November 2022, read more below. During this new academic year, The Office of Sustainability will continue providing you with more on-ground events, achievements, green tips, and simplifying terminologies related to climate change and sustainable development. Besides, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are adopted by the United Nations will be highlighted throughout the topics discussed in the upcoming newsletters for the purpose of engaging the AUC community members with global attention to the climate change issue. Stayed tuned for the upcoming monthly e-Newsletters!

In November 2022, Egypt is hosting in Sharm El-Sheikh the 27th Conference of Parties, COP, of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC.
The first ever Conference of Parties, COP, took place back in 1995 that was held in Berlin, Germany. Moreover, the COP's main objective is to review and assess the effective progress taken to combat climate change. There are five UN regions where the COP Presidency rotates: Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Central/ Eastern/ Western Europe. In 2022, the COP27 Presidency is in Egypt, Africa, with a vision of transitioning from pledges and commitments to urgent actions in efforts to combat climate change, and most importantly, to secure a sustainable future.
In alignment with its vision, Egypt's goals are to focus on combatting climate change through mitigation, adaptation, finance, and collaboration.

September 16th: International Day for the preservation of the Ozone Layer
The Ozone layer is a thin layer of gas surrounding our earth that protects us from harmful UV radiation emitted from the sun. Chemicals called Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released from refrigerators and airconditioners deplete the ozone layer. Around 35 years ago, scientists discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica; shortly after, two treaties ( the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol) pledged to protect the Ozone layer.

September 21st: Zero Emissions Day
The main goal of this day is to raise awareness of each person's daily emissions and ways in which we can decrease our carbon footprint. According to The Nature Conservancy, each person emits around 4 tons of carbon dioxide per year. Here are some ways you can reduce your emissions!

September 22nd: Car Free Day
Cars and other vehicles run using fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) when they are used. These gases are harmful to the environment and contribute to climate change. This day attempts to raise awareness of these issues and encourage people to decrease their use of cars. On this day, try to use a bus, bike, or carpool to decrease your carbon footprint.

In the celebration of the global Zero Emissions Day and Car Free day, the Office of Sustainability and the Student Union (SU) are holding the "Cut the Fuel, Carpool!" event. This event will take place for AUC Community carpoolers on Sept. 22nd from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Gate 4 to win giveaways and also prioritize for them a parking spot at Parking Zone A (between Pepsi Entrance and Sports Complex) during the above-mentioned time slot.

Save the Date, and Save the Planet!