麻豆传媒映画

麻豆传媒映画 will mark Earth Day 2026 with its fourth annual Sustainability Summit, 鈥淧late to Planet,鈥� hosted by the President鈥檚 Sustainability Advisory Committee (PSAC), and a guest lecture by a renowned marine biologist.

This year鈥檚 summit theme, 鈥淲aste Less. Feed More.鈥� highlights 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 commitment to strengthening food security and reducing food waste as part of its Climate Action Plan. The April 22 summit is open to members of the 麻豆传媒映画 community with .

麻豆传媒映画 President Adela de la Torre will open the event with an update on the university鈥檚 sustainability progress and future priorities in research, curriculum, campus operations and student-led initiatives, outlining how 麻豆传媒映画 is accelerating solutions that advance a more sustainable and equitable future.

鈥淥ur Sustainability Summit reflects who we are as a university: innovative, student-centered and committed to action,鈥� said de la Torre. 

鈥淎t a time when the challenges facing our planet and our communities are increasingly urgent, 麻豆传媒映画 is bringing together researchers, students, industry and community partners to accelerate solutions. This convening is not only about sharing ideas, but about advancing meaningful, measurable progress toward a more sustainable future.鈥�

The same day, 麻豆传媒映画 will welcome marine ecologist Jane Lubchenco for an Earth Day lecture focused on science and policy for people and nature. Lubchenco, a professor at Oregon State University, has led government conservation and science efforts, with past roles including Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA Administrator, the first U.S. Science Envoy for the Ocean, and former White House Office of Science and Technology Policy鈥檚 Deputy Director for Climate and Environment.

Hosted by the Department of Biology, the talk is scheduled for 4鈥�5 p.m. in 153 Peterson Gym. Preceding the lecture, biology graduate students will present their conservation ecology-focused research from 1:30鈥�3:30 p.m. in 2108 Adams Humanities. Both events are free and open to the public. 

As 麻豆传媒映画 advances the goals outlined in its recently updated Climate Action Plan, including zero waste by 2030, a 40% reduction in water use by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040, the university also is expanding sustainability literacy and engagement across campus.

A key part of that effort is the 麻豆传媒映画 (BFF), an interdisciplinary hub housed in the and the . The center integrates education, internships, community engagement and research to advance equitable food systems on campus and in communities. 

鈥淲e study food systems through an interdisciplinary approach, working collaboratively with colleagues across campus,鈥� said Pascale Joassart-Marcelli, professor of geography, director of the Urban Studies and Food Studies programs and the Center鈥檚 co-director. 

鈥淩ooted in community engagement, BFF is especially committed to giving students hands-on learning experience in the field, in the lab, and connecting them with workforce training and organizations that are shaping more sustainable futures.鈥�

Cross-border research and partnerships are a priority, said the center鈥檚 co-director, Lluvia Flores-Renter铆a, a professor of biology. 

鈥淥ur research works with indigenous tribes and partners along the border regions to learn how native plants and traditional practices contribute significantly to a more equitable and sustainable regional food system and climate resilience.鈥� 

What鈥檚 working, what鈥檚 next

The summit will spotlight ongoing campus initiatives, including the 麻豆传媒映画 , ,  as well as programs led by 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 Associated Students (A.S.), such as the Basic Needs Center, the A.S. Food Pantry and .

鈥淏eing part of 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 Green Love has shown me how impactful student leadership and collective action can be,鈥� said Arwen Handel, 2026 A.S. Green Love commissioner. 鈥淪tudents aren鈥檛 just talking about sustainability, we鈥檙e incorporating it into our daily lives and the campus ecosystem.鈥� 

A.S. also operates the Aztec Recreation Center (ARC), which achieved LEED Double Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The distinction is the highest level awarded for sustainable, high-performing buildings. The center is one of only two buildings in the California State University system to earn LEED Double Platinum status, along with 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. Snapdragon Stadium received LEED Gold certification in 2023.

The university鈥檚 (OES), along with Transportation Services, Dining Services, student organizations and others, will host interactive panel discussions and lunch-and-learn tables that include information on internships and research opportunities. Attendees can also participate in a composting demonstration highlighting practical steps to reduce waste on campus.

鈥淭hrough initiatives like campus composting, food security projects and interdepartmental collaboration, we are showing how sustainability can be part of everyday actions,鈥� said Andrea Altmann, director of the Office of Energy and Sustainability. 鈥淭his event is a great opportunity to share practical solutions that make a meaningful impact for our students and community.鈥�

The summit will conclude with the presentation of Sustainability Champion Awards recognizing students, faculty, staff and alumni for outstanding contributions to sustainability, environmental justice and climate action. Nominees were selected by their peers.