The Climate Reality Project and Plant Palooza

The Climate Reality Project is a national organization founded by Al Gore in 2011 that is heavily involved in spreading awareness about the dangers of climate change. The organization has chapters all around the United States, including a student-run organization at Plymouth State University. The PSU chapter is dedicated to furthering the organization’s cause here on campus.

The goal is to get Plymouth State University to use completely renewable energy by the year 2030. The university already has a goal in place to decrease emissions and be completely greenhouse gas free by the year 2050. Despite PSU already having a plan in place, the Climate Reality Project wants the university to take a more proactive approach.

“Our goal is an immediate step in reducing the universities carbon footprint, and it will also help the university reach the ultimate goal by 2050,” said Co-President of the chapter Kate Burgess.

The main way the group is gain- ing attention is through student petitions. On March 29, the Climate Reality Project with the assistance of PSU’s Common Ground, the Office of Environmental Sustainability, and the League of Conservation Voters held an event called Plant Palooza in the Hub Fireplace lounge in an effort to raise student awareness. A video montage of students answering the question “Why is renewable energy so important at PSU?” was played during the event.

The event included many different activities including bamboo planting and a renewable energy trivia game. Students were also treated with free food and giveaways from sponsors including Panera and Downtown Pizza. By the time the event was over, 140 signatures were collected, bringing their total of signatures to 250, half of their ultimate goal.

Kate Burgess said, “I’m so excited to see the extent of student support about this local issue. Young voices often speak the loudest when it comes to campus issues because we’re the ones who make up the university community; students are great catalysts for change on a local level.”

Mike Defilippo, a junior at Plymouth State University who is a mem- ber of the Climate Reality Project said, “Plant Palooza was not only an exceptional time, but also a great experience to see that PSU cares. Climate reality is about showing, not just talking. It’s about taking action, not fumbling around and not doing anything.”

Climate Change is an immediate threat, and the best way to combat this issue is to spread awareness. On April 20th at 9:30 at PSU, the Climate Reality Project will host a press conference about their work in Plymouth State, and their efforts to combat climate change.