Green action starts locally

This letter is in response to Nathan Dixon’s April 2 column, “Green Debates.” For the most part, I agree with what he had to say, but as a member of an environmental organization here on campus (INPIRG’s Campus Climate Challenge), I have to disagree with his opinion that there “doesn’t seem to be any kind of consensus on how global warming should be fought” among the grassroots groups. Global warming is a complex issue. There are many ways that it can be fought. The consensus among the grassroots groups is that the issue must be dealt with right here in Bloomington, starting with IU, the backbone of the community. Yes, federal policy is important, but that level of government has been too slow to act. Action must be taken at the local level immediately. Bloomington can be a great green city on a hill if we want it to be, a beacon of light shining through the coal-choked clouds of Indiana. The most significant consensual thing that B-town’s grassroots green groups are trying to do is get IU President McRobbie to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment, which would set the University on a path of carbon neutrality and sustainability. If IU became a signatory of the commitment, it would open up the door to potentially millions of dollars in funding, provided by the Clinton Climate Initiative, to implement large scale energy saving retrofits in our campus buildings. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while not costing students a dime. If you’re interested in these issues, feel free to come to Sustain IU Saturday on April 19 for a distinguished panel discussion on sustainable solutions to global warming, accompanied by eco-education displays showcasing climate solutions for IU. Join the green consensus at the Union’s Whittenberger Auditorium from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and at SPROUTS Garden from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.