Letter to the Editor:

Sustainability still needs work

By Cambelle Logan, sophomore

Published Nov. 3, 2009

Recently, Mizzou was granted a B- grade from the Sustainable Endowments Institute. The improved grade shows Mizzou is making strides in sustainability and responding to the call of the numerous student groups who have rallied around the cause. However, the administration and students of Mizzou need to remember that an incredible amount of work still needs to be done. The environment, our families' health, and our climate cannot wait for the drastic changes that need to be made.

Currently, the university gets 80 percent of its energy from coal, and relying on coal for energy is far from green. In response to student efforts around the nation, 600 universities have committed to reducing their carbon emissions to zero through the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. However, Mizzou will not be able to reach this goal while still getting a majority of our energy from a dangerous substance like coal.

Our university needs to further develop its sustainability goals by ending its dependence on coal, and investing in a vision for a clean energy future. Mizzou has the capability to improve its carbon footprint and become a true leader in sustainability, now all we need to do is take action.