Letter to the President: Why Pepperdine University has a Responsibility to Address Climate Change
In a course entitled Climate Change Foundations, I was able to take on a project in which I presented a persuasive letter to be sent to Pepperdine University President Jim Gash, expressing why it is morally and theologically imperative that Pepperdine University articulates and initiates a comprehensive strategy to address climate change immediately. At this point in time, the sustainability major was not a path being offered to students, and as an institution, Pepperdine did not and still does not explicitly acknowledge the legitimacy of climate change. As one of the few students pursuing an environmental education, it was very important to make efforts to communicate with administration about the importance of university involvement in climate action and increase their awareness of student desire for accountability and educational opportunities from our university. By incorporating concepts and themes discussed throughout the course, as well as appealing to logic by explaining how this course of action could enhance student experiences and the Pepperdine’s image and standing, I urged President Gash to integrate environmental education and environmental initiatives into our institution. The letter I composed was one of two chosen to reach the President’s office.
May 19, 2021
