Conference on environment draws crowd
It was standing room only when close to 250 people filled the auditorium in the Richard J. Renaud Science Complex to hear keynote presenters, MP and Green Party leader Elizabeth May and Damon Matthews, associate professor in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, kick off the Sustainability: Rio +20 conference.
The conference, held on March 30 and 31, was co-organized by Loyola College for Diversity and Sustainability (formerly Loyola International College) and Siena College. Since 2005, both colleges have been hosting joint conferences to explore issues related globalization.
In an emotional speech, May expressed concern that while Canada was once at the forefront of global efforts to reducing emissions and setting international goals for a greener planet, the country is now falling far behind other industrialized nations. Canada’s decision to opt out of the Kyoto Protocol was only one example she cited in a litany of regressive steps. She also made it clear that addressing environmental issues was lacking in the recent federal budget, presented in the House of Commons.
May’s concerns were echoed on the second day of the conference, which featured a series of presentations from Siena and Concordia students and professors on the themes of local and global sustainability.
“The theme of this year’s conference was particularly important to us as it marked the first event hosted by the newly renamed Loyola College for Diversity and Sustainability and the introduction of a new Minor in Sustainability Studies,” says Rosemarie Schade, the college’s principal. “What better way to promote the new minor and the new direction of the college.”
This year, in support of the Loyola College for Diversity and Sustainability’s mission to minimize its footprint, meals were served using biodegradable dishes and cutlery. This practice was dedicated to the memory of Ross Perigoe, a journalism professor and Fellow of the college who died in January.
Related link:
• Loyola College for Diversity and Sustainability