By Katherine Jimenez | UConn Journalism
December 14, 2022
Colder winters and hotter summers. You better prepare for them because climate change has entered Connecticut.
The University of Connecticut, along with other parts of the state, experienced a dangerous drought this summer which left many residents without water. State officials even advised residents to begin conserving water. But many student at the university entered this year prepared to bring about change.
On Nov. 4, 2022, over a hundred students gathered outside the Student Union Lawn to hear activists, politicians and fellow students about “decarbonizing” UConn. They rallied against the use of fossil fuel energy at the university and spoke about reaching carbon neutrality by the next 10 to 20 years. EcoHusky President Chase Mack, organizer of the Fossil Fuel Free UConn coalition which helped formed the rally, joined me today to talk more about the student momentum and future of UConn’s energy sourcing.
We also hear from Liam Enea, founder and president of the Clean Energy Society, and Ecology Professor David Wagner about possible outcomes of the rally and how the Board of Trustees is expected to react in the coming months.
To learn more about the rally you can visit their petition page or email fossilfuelfreeuconn@gmail.com with any questions. Another rally is expected to be held some time in Spring 2023.
You can also take a look at the university’s current climate initiative for more information about sustainable energy.
Katherine Jimenez is a UConn Journalism major. She produced this story for JOUR3035: Podcasting in Fall 2022.
TOP IMAGE: Fossil Fuel-Free UConn” rally gathers on the Student Union mall at the University of Connecticut on Friday, November 4, 2022. Photo by Liam Enea