Earth // Photo: NASA

President Barnard’s message on the global climate strike

September 25, 2019 —

The following is a message from University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard:

Over the past week, millions have demonstrated their support of the global climate strike at rallies around the world. These demonstrations are raising awareness of the immediate need for action against global warming and climate change.

Many members of the University of Manitoba community care deeply about climate change and issues related to environmental sustainability.

We are leading international research efforts on the effects of climate change on Canada’s Arctic and the world. This research is vital to the future of our planet. We also strive to be a leader in sustainability, as evidenced by our recent advancement to a STARS Gold Rating and designation as a United Nations Academic Impact Hub for Sustainable Development Goal 6.

There are a number of student-led initiatives taking place on campus this week leading up to Friday’s global climate strike, and the Office of Sustainability regularly hosts events that draw attention to and deepen our understanding of sustainability. I encourage everyone to work collectively and learn more about the ways in which we can live more sustainably in our daily lives. Our future depends on it.

climate change, president, sustainability

2 comments on “President Barnard’s message on the global climate strike”

Andrew Forsythe — September 27, 2019 at 4:35 pm

Sorry, but this is laughable. Does Dr Barnard really think the University of Manitoba is doing enough as an institution to combat climate change? I would point to our lack of a large-scale composting program with receptacles available in all buildings along with a well-publicized education campaign as something that flies in the face of any self-congratulation. There is so much work to be done and more before our generation can even begin to pat ourselves on the back. Thank you

UM staff — October 1, 2019 at 12:59 pm

Thanks for the comment.

UM doesn’t yet have a campus wide composting program, but there is a departmental one, with 14 departments currently participating. A pre-consumer composting program exists with all food services across UM campuses. A larger scale composting program is in the works. There is more info in the new UM Sustainability Strategy: http://umanitoba.ca/campus/sustainability/strategy/index.html

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