Last year, St. Joe’s released their 10-year master plan and soon after, broke ground on the new construction that continues even today. However, with this master plan must come a climate action plan as well. One thing we know about climate activism is, it’s all about prioritizing – especially when we find ourselves at rock bottom like our current state. A climate action plan will allow us to better prioritize accordingly.

Climate action plans are essential and have two key components: data and accountability. Goals like carbon neutrality or zero waste are not meaningful without first understanding our starting point. St. Joe’s, however, does not keep track of its carbon footprint, nor does it have any standardized regulation for data collection when it comes to emissions.

Nevertheless, we’re headed in the right direction with projects like the construction of the new geothermal-powered residence hall, Sister Thea Bowman Hall, underway. What we need now, along with data and accountability, is drive. And by drive, I mean urgency. We need to set the foundation by investing in renewable energy now – across all campuses.

The time for change is now for St. Joe’s as we continue to build and expand. We must commit ourselves to 100% self-sufficient clean energy to set ourselves up for success in the long run. Data collection is the bare minimum if we, as a Jesuit university — one which devotes what we do to the mindset of “for others” — hope to embark on a climate action plan through the creation of an office for sustainability.

At the end of the day, two of the most important powers we have is to educate and inform. Through this, we elicit care and passion for a matter that will affect generations to come. My hope, particularly in the time of the new year and new semester, is that St. Joe’s can make the necessary strides that are crucial toward fulfilling our green potential.