Climate action at MUN is common sense
On June 2, an open letter was sent to Vianne Timmons, president of Memorial University, expressing concern with her statements at a press conference for oil and gas companies held the previous week. (https://sites.google. com/view/munopenletter/ open-letter)
This letter had two main requests: first, that the president avoid offering what the authors called “open-ended support” for the oil and gas sector on behalf of Memorial University. Second, the university develop a climate action plan that articulates a pathway to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Neither of these requests should be controversial. Universities cannot maintain independence if their leaders say they are inextricably linked to a single sector – let alone one whose main product directly causes climate change, which is the most farreaching and serious threat of our time.
And it is in every Newfoundlander and Labradorian’s interests for MUN to remain independent both in real terms and in how it is perceived.
Further, a climate action plan is a basic plank of good institutional governance. Done properly, it would show how the institution will proceed to zero emissions, with measurable milestones along the way. It would strategically plan for the programs and policies that would be needed to ensure that MUN can equip the workforce with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow – not just the ones that are already being lost as the global oil economy contracts as the world fights to avoid climate breakdown.
It is inspiring that as of 12 p.m. on June 3, more than 600 people have signed this letter, with the list continuing to grow. The university leadership should take this as a clear signal that a substantial portion of the MUN community wants to see urgent, evidence-based climate action.
I encourage members of the MUN community who haven’t already voiced their support for this letter and the actions it calls for to do so online, because the more signatures are collected, the stronger the University’s mandate will be to proceed down this necessary path.