Dear Sustainability Leadership Council Partners,
Good morning and Happy Earth Day! Today marks the 51st celebration of Earth Day and, with it, 51 years of Earth Day celebrations on the Johns Hopkins Campus. So much has happened since that first Earth Day: electric cars are now parked on our streets, viral celebrities are known for their conviction to environmental sustainability, and politicians are elected for the same. Sustainability has entered the mainstream vernacular and shows no sign of being pushed aside.
This growth does not happen overnight and not without the conviction of conscious global citizens like yourselves. Our efforts to elevate environmental sustainability in Johns Hopkins Academics, Operations, and Research and to create Engagement that involves all of our affiliates along the ways continues to push the needle forward and we thank all of you for your continued commitment.
For the Johns Hopkins University Sustainability Leadership Council. This year has brought tremendous progress in many areas. SLC members contributed to formulation of the vision and plan for a new Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI). A Green Labs Certification program was piloted and expanded to engage 18 university laboratories. A series of events on Environmental Justice (EJ), and a newly formed SLC EJ working group, examined ways to address the disproportionate toll of unhealthy environments on racial and ethnic minorities, with a focus on highly affected communities in Baltimore.
We continue to set ambitious goals for ourselves as the Office of Sustainability begins the draft process of the next JHU Sustainability Plan (see today’s Hub article). We all reflect on an unprecedented year, both in terms of a public health and social crises that have demanded urgent leadership. There is much work to be done, something we all recognize, and we are energized to continue pushing forward with all of you. So, our hope for you today, on Earth Day, is that you will take a moment to step away from Zoom, step outside, appreciate the sun and spring foliage, and celebrate our shared efforts.
Thank you all and be well,
Peter Winch and Bob McLean
SLC Co-Chairs
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