Sustainability at Concordia
March 2024 Newsletter
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As the snow melts and ice thaws earlier than ever this year, we would like to introduce vent diagrams. These diagrams help us recognize the shared, contradictory feelings and truths we experience within the climate crisis. For instance, it feels nice that the weather is warmer and the sun is shining, while at the same time it feels foreboding that the weather is this warm so early and so suddenly. Although contradictory, it's important to acknowledge their co-existence as we move forward towards climate action. |
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| Helen Watts, BFA 17 | Photo: Calvin Thomas Photography |
Helen Watts is empowering the next generation of climate activistsFrom an art history degree to a career in climate activism — isn’t that a big leap? Absolutely not, says Helen Watts, BFA 17, who has nevertheless faced her share of impostor syndrome. These days, her role includes normalizing such seemingly disparate paths to foster interdisciplinary youth coalitions pushing for progress on the sustainable energy transition. “You don’t need to have a typical STEM or climate background to come into the climate space,” she says. “But I didn’t necessarily hear that from other people when I was younger.” |
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Concordia’s Volt-Age research program announces $7.2M for 36 seed-funded projectsDecarbonization research has just received a jumpstart of $7.2 million, thanks to funding from Concordia’s Volt-Age applied research program. The program recently announced the recipients of 36 seed-funded projects that seek to reduce CO2 emissions [...] The funding will support the creation of large‐scale initiatives focused on creating sustainable built environments, resilient transportation systems and citizen engagement. |
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| Infant macaque at the Awajishima Monkey Center. Photo courtesy Sarah Turner |
Physically impaired primates find ways to modify their behaviours to compensate for their disabilities, according to Concordia researchersPrimates show a remarkable ability to modify their behaviours to accommodate their physical disabilities and impairments according to a new literature review by Concordia researchers. Whether the disabilities are the result of congenital malformations or injuries, many primate species exhibited behavioural flexibility and innovation to compensate for their disabilities. They also benefitted from flexible and innovative behaviour by their mothers early in life and from their peers within their population group as they aged. |
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Hope and agency in uncertain times: A sustainability across disciplines conference Monday, March 11 – Friday, March 15
Some recommendations:
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Climate Emergency Committee Bake Sale Fundraiser Tuesday, March 6 @ 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., EV Building 1.116 (ground floor kiosk) The Climate Emergency Committee is cooking... in more ways than one! Stop by to purchase tasty treats! All proceeds go to funding the CEC's anniversary party later in the month. Decolonization, Indigenization and Reconciliation: What Does it Mean and How Does it Affect Me? Friday, March 8 @ 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Online Part of the Pîkiskwêtân Learning Series, this workshop seeks to clarify the concepts of decolonization, indigenization and reconciliation, how they are different from each other while at the same time are mutually supportive of the goals in the Action Plan. It will explore ways that the Concordia community can positively contribute to Concordia’s decolonization, indigenization and reconciliation goals. Tuesday, March 12 @ 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. J.W. McConnell Building, 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Atrium Wednesday, March 13 @ 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., J.W. McConnell Building, 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Atrium Browse through hundreds of titles, from literature and travelogues to biographies, best-sellers and more. Textbooks, mysteries, Can Lit, classics and more from $3 and up! Invite your friends, family, colleagues and students. ALL PROCEEDS go to student scholarships and the Student Emergency and Food Fund. We're Listening: cleaning on campus Tuesday, March 12 @ 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., John Molson Building, 1450 Guy Concordia Conference Centre, 9th Floor Wednesday, March 13 @ 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Loyola Jesuit Hall, 7141 Sherbrooke W. Room 110 Concordia's vice-president of Services and Sustainability is hosting an information and feedback session about campus cleaning. Michael Di Grappa is inviting students, faculty and staff to share their observations and questions, notably those relating to the last few years. Thursday, March 14 @ 6 - 9 p.m., Hall Building, 1455 de Maisonneuve W, Room H544 (or virtual) Food isn't just fuel; it's a powerful force in our communities! Our food scene, including right here at Concordia, has its fair share of ethical issues. Join CFC & SEIZE for a lively discussion on addressing these problems and cooking up creative revolutionary solutions! Climate Emergency Committee 5 Year Anniversary and Recruitment Party Thursday, March 14 @ 7 - 9 p.m., Le Frigo Vert Join the CEC to celebrate their work on campus and meet like-minded folks who are dedicating their time to making our communities more sustainable and action-oriented. There will be games, food, and activities! Thursday, March 14 @ 7 - 9 p.m., Le Frigo Vert Investigate Concordia's sustainability triumphs, set-backs & potential for greater climate action with the Climate Reality Project. Free pizza! This event is happening in conjunction with the Climate Emergency Committee's anniversary party. Sustain'Alive - Plant Allies for Rage & Resilience Tuesday, March 19 @ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Room LB-145 During this workshop, we will meet several plants that thrive in Tiohtià:ke who support the various body systems impacted by prolonged periods of stress and anger. There will be tea tasting and hands-on interaction with the plants. We will discuss practical, accessible care strategies to support each other and ourselves during times of collective crisis. |
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Office of Sustainability |