Hundreds of Hopkins students along with faculty, staff and Baltimore residents rallied on the Beach on Tuesday, calling for Hopkins president William Brody to adopt a carbon-neutral policy for the University.
The Hopkins Energy Action Team (HEAT), a coalition of over 20 student groups and organizations that represents more than 2,600 students on campus, has been urging the University administration to accept a policy by the end of this spring semester that would require the University to end its use of dirty coal power and heating oil by 2015.
The rally kicked off with a fire-spinning performance by the Entertainers Club, and ended with performances by the student band Anthony Blaha and the Goodfellows. The two-hour HEAT rally marked a historical milestone both because of the number of people in attendance and because of its environmental significance.
Mike Tidwell, the founder and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, delivered a passionate speech, pleading with students at Homewood Campus to take action. He addressed the issue of global warming and the severe natural disasters that are occurring in the United States and the world as a consequence.
"Our defining challenge [global warming] is happening so rapidly, and we don't have much time. You all stand on the forefront to make it [Carbon neutrality] happen." Tidwell said.
HEAT members set up tables with petitions for The Responsible Energy Policy 2015 (REP 2015), calling students to sign as a show of support. REP 2015 recommends the use of biofuels in buses, diversified renewable energy sources on- and off-campus and improved efficiency for campus buildings. By the end of the rally, HEAT had gathered roughly 860 signatures.
Freshman Julia Blocher, a HEAT member, was satisfied with the turnout.
"I am very happy to see so many students' support for REP 2015. We [HEAT] exist now because we have the opportunity at Hopkins to take an action."
Davis Bookhart, manager of Energy Management and Environmental Stewardship and director of Sustainability Committee at Hopkins also attended the Rally.
"Global warming is the first imperative of our generation. The University is making every effort to find the most appropriate way to perceive it," he said.
Bookhart suggested some simple ways to "save the planet," that included turning off the lights, air conditioning and heaters when they are not in use, and reducing shower time by five minutes per person per day. According to the statistics, the university has diminished greenhouse gases by 4 percent and approximately 8,000 tons of carbon dioxide in the last few years. The newly launched hybrid Flexcar service offered by the University is another step toward responsible energy usage.
"Ultimately, there is no one solution to confront the problem; however, the University is dedicated and is eager to find solutions," Bookhart said. He also noted that "students should take the lead with new innovative ideas," and utilize their research skills and opportunities at Hopkins to push carbon neutrality forward.
HEAT has made a substantial effort to prepare for REP 2015 and the rally. Members delivered packages and visual presentations of REP 2015 to University deans and president William Brody.
"The administration is very supportive and is on board with the idea," said Blake Hough, executive coordinator for HEAT.
Along with signing petitions, students wrote letters to their deans and university administrators calling for action.
"It's so apparent, you just can't ignore it. And there is no reason to," senior Colleen Donovan said, while neatly composing her letter to the administration.
