Sustainability

CU Boulder to co-host Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

CU Boulder to co-host Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit Megan M Rogers Fri, 12/12/2025 - 05:00

On Dec. 10, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights); Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (Oxford Saïd); and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN) announced a multi-year plan to host the Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit annually on UN World Environment Day, June 5.

The annual summit will be jointly hosted by Oxford Saïd and UN Human Rights, with co-hosting support from leading universities worldwide, including CU Boulder. The summit will convene young leaders, scholars, policymakers, educators and innovators to advance human rights-based climate solutions.

Panelist Julieta Martinez addresses the audience during a youth panel at the 2022 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit hosted by CU Boulder. Photo by Casey Cass/CU Boulder.

CU Boulder’s support of the summit will be led by the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education (BCSE), which drives sustainability curriculum and experiential learning; the Center for African and African American Studies (the CAAAS—or “the cause”), which elevates equity and justice in global climate discourse; and the Conference on World Affairs (CWA), which offers a shared CU Boulder and community-based event platform for global dialogue and thought leadership.

“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the drivers of positive climate solutions today,” said Max Boykoff, faculty executive director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education. “The Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit elevates youth voices at a moment when their leadership is absolutely essential to advancing collective climate initiatives that protect the planet and benefit generations to come.”

The summit will serve as a global touchpoint for collaboration and capacity-building related to human rights-based climate action across campuses and communities worldwide.

“The climate crisis is not only an environmental issue, it is a human rights issue that touches every dimension of social life,” said Reiland Rabaka, professor of African, African American, and Caribbean studies in the Department of Ethnic Studies and the founder and director of the CAAAS at CU Boulder. “This summit centers the voices and leadership of young people who are already shaping new, more just futures, especially in frontline and historically marginalized communities.”

The theme for the 2026 Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit focuses on ensuring climate technologies for mitigation and adaptation are aligned with human rights obligations. It also emphasizes developing the tools needed to support a just transition to sustainable economies and societies that uphold human rights. The summit will explore the human rights risks and opportunities of current and emerging technologies, such as renewable energy systems, resilient infrastructure, data and early-warning tools and artificial intelligence, in the context of climate action and identify strategies to ensure these risks are mitigated and human rights are protected.

The summit will be hybrid, hosted physically at Oxford Saïd and livestreamed globally, enabling broad participation while limiting travel and associated environmental impacts. Young people from 12 regions will contribute through dialogues, case studies and presentations on the intersection of climate change, human rights and climate technology, highlighting scalable solutions that strengthen resilience and protect communities on the frontlines.

“CU Boulder’s sustainability vision recognizes that climate change is a global challenge, and we need to act from the campus to the global level to address this challenge,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU Boulder. “By serving as a co-host of the Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit, we’re helping to elevate international dialogue, shared learning and collaborative problem-solving at a truly global scale.”

In December 2022, the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit was held at CU Boulder. The summit addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change, bringing together some of the world’s foremost human rights, scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry leaders to outline and commit to specific actions addressing the harmful effects of climate change on human rights. In June 2025, CU Boulder supported the University of Oxford and United Nations Human Rights hosted during a four-day global summit on climate change and human rights, alongside the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance.

The annual Right Here, Right Now Summit will be jointly hosted by Oxford Saïd and UN Human Rights, with co-hosting support from leading universities worldwide, including the ��.

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Waste not. Want? Yes

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:00:55 +0000

Waste not. Want? Yes Megan M Rogers Thu, 12/11/2025 - 12:00

At an annual holiday market, CMDI students again sold handmade, sustainably sourced gifts—along with the stories of how the materials were rescued from waste streams.

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Hellems to reopen: A new era of sustainability and learning

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:42:07 +0000

Hellems to reopen: A new era of sustainability and learning Megan M Rogers Wed, 12/10/2025 - 13:42

After more than two years, the historic Hellems Arts and Sciences building is ready to welcome faculty, staff and students back to campus life. This month, faculty and staff members will begin moving into their newly renovated offices, and when the spring semester kicks off in January, students will once again fill the halls of one of CU Boulder’s most iconic academic spaces.

The renovation was made possible through a combination of university resources and partial funding from the state of Colorado, underscoring the shared commitment to preserving historic campus spaces while advancing sustainability and student success.

A thoughtful renovation for modern needs

Originally constructed in 1921, Hellems was the first building on campus designed in Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style and has long been a cornerstone of the university’s academic experience. The renovation project was designed not only to preserve its historic character but also to meet the needs of today’s learners and educators. The updated spaces feature improved accessibility, modernized classrooms and collaborative areas that foster connection and creativity.

The building also holds cultural significance as the home of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, which stages performances in the adjacent Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre each summer. The renovation ensures this beloved tradition continues in a space that reflects CU Boulder’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Student-first design

From the earliest planning stages, the renovation followed a student-first process, incorporating feedback from students to ensure the building supports their academic success and well-being. Classrooms were reimagined to encourage active learning and collaboration, while study spaces and common areas were designed to promote comfort, flexibility and community. These changes aim to create an environment where students can thrive academically and socially within a historic setting that now meets modern expectations.

“The renovation of Hellems was guided by a student-first approach,” said Ann Stevens, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Every design decision, from flexible classrooms to collaborative spaces, was made with the goal of enhancing how students learn and connect. This reimagined building creates an environment that supports academic success, fosters community and reflects the values of a modern university.”

Sustainability at the core

One of the most significant aspects of the renovation is its commitment to sustainability. The project incorporated multiple strategies to reduce environmental impact, including:

Energy efficiency: Upgraded HVAC systems, LED lighting and enhanced insulation dramatically improve energy performance.
Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures and efficient plumbing systems help minimize water usage.
Material choices: More than 80% of original clay roof tiles were reused, and terrazzo and hardwood flooring were refurbished instead of replaced.
Smart design: Triple-pane windows, daylight-optimized layouts and improved ventilation create healthier, more efficient spaces.

These efforts will reduce the building’s energy use intensity (EUI) by nearly 68%, even with the addition of air conditioning.

“This project is truly setting the bar for what a building that is over 100 years old can achieve,” said Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. “We’re dramatically cutting energy use and emissions while creating modern, flexible spaces that support student success based on their input into the design process. These upgrades foster collaboration, comfort and well-being—key elements for learning—while reducing operating costs and improving efficiency.”

“This project reflects CU Boulder’s commitment to climate action and sustainability leadership,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “Hellems is now a model for how we can honor our history, and create modern spaces for students and faculty, while building for a low-carbon future.”

The university is also targeting LEED Gold certification, a benchmark for sustainable building practices.

Looking ahead

With faculty returning in mid-December and students arriving for classes in January, the reopening of Hellems marks a milestone in CU Boulder’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and academic excellence.

“Hellems is more than a building. It’s a symbol of CU Boulder’s dedication to the liberal arts as the intellectual heart of the university,” says Daryl Maeda, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “A liberal arts education teaches us to think deeply, question critically and connect ideas across disciplines. In the reimagined Hellems, those connections become a lived experience.”

To celebrate this achievement, Arts and Sciences Donor and Alumni Relations, in partnership with Arts and Sciences academic leadership, is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10, 2026, aligning with the university’s 150th anniversary.

CU Boulder's historic Hellems building is reopening after a major renovation focused on student success and sustainability, with faculty moving in mid-December and students returning for spring classes in January. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April to celebrate the building and the university's 150th anniversary.

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Prioritizing sustainability: A look back with Andrew Mayock

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:59:00 +0000

Prioritizing sustainability: A look back with Andrew Mayock Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/08/2025 - 04:59

As the fall 2025 semester comes to a close, CU Boulder continues to build momentum toward its long-term sustainability goals—one of the campus priorities recently discussed by Chancellor Justin Schwartz.

From advances in climate research and innovative curriculum to major operational improvements and new community partnerships, CU Boulder continues to operate as a true living lab—one where high-impact sustainability work happens every day.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock reflects on what stood out this semester, why it matters and what's ahead in 2026.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock

How has CU Boulder advanced in sustainability this semester?

It has been an exciting semester across research, education, operations and community engagement. Notable achievements include:

The announcement of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education thanks to a generous $10 million gift from alumnus Spike Buckley.
CU Boulder’s selection by the Carnegie Foundation to host a new nationwide sustainability elective, giving the university the opportunity to lead nationally and shape the student experience.
The launch of Boulder Climate Ventures, a Leeds-hosted course sponsored by Breakthrough Energy, bringing world-renowned climate tech leaders to campus.
Operational progress on campus, which included breaking ground on a 1.1-megawatt solar array; VPPA and Xcel partnerships; and expanded circularity efforts through food recovery, composting and the CU Surplus Store and Recycling Operations Center achieving roughly 50% waste diversion.

What projects are you most excited about for the year ahead?

The coming year will focus on scaling initiatives and connecting the campus community. The Buckley Center is staffing up and launching new programs, while the Carnegie initiative expands to other institutions. Students and faculty will have more hands-on opportunities through courses, research and interdisciplinary programs like the Environmental Center and the Sustainability Research Initiative.

Operational priorities include advancing the Climate Action Plan through energy-system transitions, waste reduction and renewable-energy expansion. We also will work to increase visibility of our sustainability work locally, nationally and globally, highlighting CU Boulder’s leadership.

How can faculty, staff and students help achieve these goals?

Everyone on campus can play a role in achieving our sustainability goals. Students can get involved through the Environmental Center, attend events such as the spring Sustainability Summit, participate in Earth Week in April, or sign up to take sustainability and climate courses offered across departments. Faculty can explore ways to integrate sustainability into teaching and research, including the Buckley Center and Sustainability Research Initiative. Staff and students can take action on learning how sustainability is a part of daily campus operations, from transportation and building systems to zero-waste events.

Most importantly, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability wants to hear from you: Sharing success stories and ongoing projects helps promote collaborative efforts, build momentum and accelerate progress toward our shared goals. Also, we will be creating new opportunities for engagement, including office hours to open more avenues to hear directly from students.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock discusses what stood out this semester, why it matters and what's ahead in 2026.

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Small changes, big impact: Going zero waste

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:08:34 +0000

Small changes, big impact: Going zero waste Megan M Rogers Thu, 12/04/2025 - 09:08

Check out this guide from the Environmental Center for easy, practical steps to reduce waste and help make our community more sustainable.

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From town hall to action: November Sustainability Council recap

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:09:38 +0000

From town hall to action: November Sustainability Council recap Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/01/2025 - 08:09

The Campus Sustainability Council convened on Nov. 14 to discuss the following topics:

Debrief from town hall

Positive feedback: Attendees appreciated the use of notecards for submitting questions, describing the process as authentic and unscripted.
Student engagement: Students expressed interest in learning how to get involved. The council will ensure materials outlining engagement opportunities are available at future events.
Transparency and communication: Suggestions included posting FAQs from the town hall and considering digital platforms (Mentimeter, FeedBeo) for collecting and upvoting questions at future engagements.
Visibility: The council will explore hosting tables in high-traffic areas to increase faculty, staff and student engagement.
Collaboration: The shared ownership of the town hall aligns with the council's goal of making sustainability feel like a collective effort, so they plan to maintain that inclusive approach.

Next steps

The next town hall is tentatively scheduled for the week of the Campus Sustainability Summit, aiming to build on recent successes and lessons learned.

Proposal form and process

Promotion: The Environmental Center will distribute flyers with QR codes linking to the proposal submission form, leveraging their frequent tabling.
Form improvements: Council members suggested adding targeted questions and prompts (e.g., strategies to eliminate single-use plastics) to the form.
Process transparency: The council will share a simple diagram outlining how proposals move from submission to collaboration, ensuring continued transparency and engagement.

Leadership transition

The council is seeking internal leaders to facilitate meetings next semester. Spring leaders will be identified at the next meeting to support a smooth transition.

Engagement and learning opportunities

Energy-focused tour: Plans are underway for a council tour of Hellems to highlight energy initiatives.
District Energy Plant field trip: The council plans to organize a visit to the district energy plants to assess current operations and future directions.

Join the Sustainable Buffs community

Share your sustainability ideas

The Campus Sustainability Council convened on Nov. 14 to review the recent town hall and other topics.

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Key takeaways from the Sustainability Town Hall

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:56:46 +0000

Key takeaways from the Sustainability Town Hall Megan M Rogers Fri, 11/21/2025 - 13:56

On Nov. 5, more than 130 participants came together for a dynamic session focused on collaboration for campuswide sustainability initiatives. The aim was to update students, faculty and staff across campus on the latest sustainability work, while also providing an open forum for questions, discussion and feedback.

Sustainability leaders from across campus, including Vice Chancellor of Sustainability Andrew Mayock and Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing, opened by reaffirming CU Boulder’s commitment to a bold sustainability vision that positions the university as a leader in climate action and innovation. This vision is grounded in a four-pillar framework designed to guide every decision and initiative moving forward.

Here are the key takeaways from the event:

Campus sustainability vision

Mayock shared a roadmap for sustainability impact, an approach that reflects CU Boulder’s belief that sustainability is integrated into academics, operations and community engagement. The four-pillar framework emphasizes:

Equipping students with sustainability problem-solving skills so they graduate ready to lead
Transforming research into actionable solutions that address real-world challenges
Leading by example through operational excellence and climate-conscious practices
Partnering locally and globally to find sustainability solutions in this urgent moment

Buckley Center and research integration

The Buckley Center for Sustainability Education is advancing sustainability education and embedding it into research and operations. Faculty Executive Director Max Boykoff highlighted how the Sustainability Research Initiative leverages CU’s research strengths to scale solutions beyond the region. These efforts ensure sustainability is practiced and amplified through innovation in addition to being taught.

Student engagement

Environmental Center Director Chris Herr issued a call to action for students: Get involved and make an impact. The Environmental Center offers multiple ways to participate, including following on social media, joining the newsletter, volunteering, attending events and exploring applied learning opportunities. These opportunities empower students to turn passion into practice.

Join the Sustainable Buffs community

Share your sustainability ideas

Sustainability Council updates

The Sustainability Council, which fosters the integration of sustainability across all aspects of the university, launched a new proposal form to curate ideas and projects. This tool introduces two tiers—general ideas and specific proposals—with clear review windows and governance. It’s a streamlined way for the campus community to shape sustainability initiatives.

Operations: Newsworthy updates

Ewing and campus operations officials shared critical updates on progress toward CU Boulder’s operational goals, including the Climate Action Plan. This plan sets ambitious targets: 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050.

One major piece of this effort is the steam-to-hot-water conversion, a process that began with hiring a consultant in July. Geothermal studies to investigate viability at the CU campus are also underway, signaling CU Boulder’s commitment to long-term energy transformation.

CU Boulder continues to expand its renewable portfolio with a new 1.1 megawatt solar array, alongside Virtual Power Purchase Agreement and Xcel partnerships. These investments accelerate the transition to clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

And efforts to close the loop are growing. Back-of-house food recovery and composting programs are scaling up, while the CU Surplus Store and Recycling Operations Center are driving approximately 50% waste diversion.

On Nov. 5, more than 130 participants came together for a dynamic session, updating students, faculty and staff across campus on the latest sustainability work, while also providing an open forum for questions, discussion and feedback.

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COP movement on climate change continues despite missing US delegation

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:27:00 +0000

COP movement on climate change continues despite missing US delegation Megan M Rogers Thu, 11/20/2025 - 09:27

Max Boykoff, executive faculty director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education at CU Boulder, speaks on a panel at COP30 in Brazil.

As the annual United Nations COP30 enters its second week, international policymakers are discussing critical issues, including the rise in natural disasters worldwide and the next steps for global fossil fuel policy. With no official U.S. delegates in attendance this year, state representatives, academics and other U.S. nationals have stepped in to represent the country in new ways.

COP30 is being held in Belém, Brazil, and Max Boykoff, executive faculty director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education at CU Boulder, attended the first week. We sat down with him to hear about his experience, reflections on COP30 and his perspective on what it looked like without U.S. representatives at the table.

Max Boykoff

COP30's location in the Amazon carried enormous symbolic and political weight—how did this change the conversations?

Yes, Belem, Brazil, is a toughened, weathered city near the equator at the mouth of the Amazon River and edge of the Amazon Rainforest. This city hosts the event as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was determined to bring the eyes of the world and nearly 60,000 COP30 participants to Belem.

The placement of the event also lowered travel barriers for many Indigenous groups in the Amazon region. It has been reported there have been more than 900 Indigenous participants at this COP30, which is three times higher than the last meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan.

How did the absence of the US shape the tone of the negotiations and the conversations?

Yes, unfortunately, the Trump Administration chose not to send any U.S. delegates to COP30. This absence means missed opportunities to demonstrate moral and material leadership; engage in the clean energy transition; and discuss trade, security, energy and human rights issues.

The U.S. is nearly alone in missing the talks, with only three other countries—Afghanistan, Myanmar and San Marino—choosing not to participate. Notably, when the Trump Administration withdrew from the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international commitment to combat climate change and reduce global emission, the U.S. joined only Iran, Yemen and Libya on the short list of non-participants in the climate pact.

Did the lack of US engagement open space for other countries, regions or non-state actors to step forward, or did it create a vacuum that slowed momentum?

Yes, other countries and member states are stepping into the leadership vacuum left by the absence of U.S. negotiators. Notably, I have observed Brazil, China, Kenya and Malawi stepping forward in vocal roles. Also, I sat in on some of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s visit here, demonstrating ongoing subnational U.S. engagement in the absence of national leadership at present. Additionally, it was reported that New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also was in attendance last week.

There are many other U.S.-based subnational public officials as well as university faculty and students that are nonetheless continuing to work diligently despite the absence of the U.S. negotiating team. There is also an active "America is All In" coalition here (representing U.S. cities; states; tribal nations; businesses; schools; and institutions of faith, health and culture) that is hosting events and activities to demonstrate the stance of the U.S. Trump Administration is limited.

It is hard to say yet whether U.S. delegation non-participation is slowing momentum. Some here have expressed relief that Trump officials are not in the way or actively obstructing concerted action here. But looking at this through the lens of greenhouse gas emissions paired with capacity to constructively contribute to solutions, makes their absence unavoidably felt: Historically, the U.S. has been the largest emitter of CO2 globally and is the world’s richest country on planet Earth.

Key takeaways

While U.S. federal standing has diminished, challenges persist. Those most at risk from climate change often have the least power to influence solutions. However, youth and civil society mobilizations, including Indigenous-led movements, have been visible throughout COP30 and across Belém, advocating for deep decarbonization, opposition to extractive and exploitative industries, and support for environmental justice.

A landmark Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change was launched at COP30, establishing shared international commitments to address climate disinformation and promote evidence-based information. Thirteen countries have signed so far, pledging to support information integrity at international, national and local levels, in line with human rights and Paris Agreement principles.

What role did higher education institutions play at COP30, and how can they meaningfully contribute when official pathways feel gridlocked?

This has been dubbed the "mutirão meeting." This Portuguese word signifies coming together in collective efforts to achieve a common goal. This has also been referred to as "the truth COP" and "the implementation COP," as representatives of most nations around the world gather here to make progress on international climate policy to combat climate change.

With collaborators at Colorado State and Colorado College, we have leaned into our privileges and responsibilities as researchers and academics advising and mentoring students. With them I represented CU Boulder as we co-hosted and led a discussion with university graduate and undergraduate students and four former U.S. climate negotiators/delegates. �� 70 students participated and had the chance to ask questions ranging from how they themselves can become a negotiator to how they view the current state of negotiations.

This was a moment where students not only gathered to ask these questions but it was also a moment where we shared our perspectives— from hopes and ambitions to worries and concerns about the ongoing climate negotiations. It was a positive experience that we seek to continue providing in future COP meetings in collaboration with Colorado-based universities and colleges.

How did you and others from CU Boulder participate/show up at COP30 this year?

This year I spoke at four events, while attending several others and also observing parts of the ongoing negotiations.

Among them I spoke about media, advertising and public relations contributions to mis- and dis-information about climate change at one panel event called "Research and Evidence to Strengthen Information Integrity on Climate Change." In addition, I also spoke at another panel event focused on implementing new forest economies, climate finance, Indigenous digital sovereignty, and climate communications at the subnational level.

Max Boykoff, who attended the first week of the United Nations Climate Change Conference shares his experience, reflections and perspective on what COP30 looked like without United States representatives at the table.

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Plant-based dining center hacks

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:38:19 +0000

Plant-based dining center hacks Megan M Rogers Fri, 11/14/2025 - 08:38

Are you curious about incorporating more plant-based meals and snacks into your diet? Check out these tips and ideas to try more plant-based options at campus dining centers.

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On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:15:01 +0000

On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock Megan M Rogers Thu, 11/13/2025 - 14:15

As CU Boulder deepens its commitment to sustainability and climate action, Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock brings a uniquely global perspective to campus. In addition to leading CU’s sustainability strategy, Mayock serves on the board of the Jane Goodall Institute, helping to carry forward the legacy of one of the world’s most influential environmental leaders.

Mayock recently returned from a board trip to Tanzania, where the board visited the Gombe Stream Research Centre, a living laboratory, home to the world’s most studied group of wild chimpanzees, and met with Roots & Shoots students in Kigoma and Arusha.

We spoke with him about what’s next for Goodall’s mission, how her philosophy aligns with CU Boulder’s vision, and what it will take to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Goodall has inspired generations to care deeply about our planet. What’s next for her legacy? How is the institute evolving to meet today's global sustainability challenges?

Visiting Gombe, the birthplace of Jane’s groundbreaking research, was a profound reminder that her legacy began with careful observation, empathy, and a willingness to challenge convention. Jane was also passionate about empowering young people to become involved in conservation and humanitarian projects.

Today, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is about maintaining Jane’s momentum and deepening her work and legacy by combining rigorous science with community-centered conservation. This means not only protecting chimpanzees and other species and their habitats but also empowering the people who live alongside them. JGI’s work in forest restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and youth engagement continues to exemplify the shift from conservation for people and wildlife to conservation with people and wildlife. Further, it is about continuing to expand Roots and Shoots, the youth leadersship program, started over thirty years ago.

Goodall often emphasized hope and individual action as the foundation for change. How can large institutions like CU harness that same sense of agency?

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock

Goodall’s message—that every individual makes a difference—translates powerfully into the context of a university like CU Boulder. Large institutions can sometimes feel impersonal or slow to move, yet they are made up of individuals whose daily choices shape culture and impact.

At CU Boulder, we’re working to embed agency into every level of sustainability engagement. That means creating pathways for personal connection—through participatory climate planning, faculty-led research that responds to community needs, and student projects that turn ideas into action. By linking global challenges to local solutions and celebrating visible progress, we nurture the same sense of purpose and hope that Jane has inspired in millions around the world.

The Roots & Shoots movement empowered young people to take action in their communities. What can universities do to cultivate that same spirit of curiosity, compassion and commitment?

Meeting Roots & Shoots students in Tanzania reminded me that curiosity, compassion and community are universal, and essential, for sustainable change. Universities can cultivate this spirit by reimagining education not as a transmission of knowledge but as a co-creation of solutions.

Programs that integrate experiential learning, civic engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration are key. When students see that their actions—whether restoring a local ecosystem, addressing food insecurity or developing new climate technologies—can tangibly improve their community, they experience the same transformative spark that Jane ignited in her young changemakers.

How can institutions balance the personal call to action with the systemic change required at the scale of higher education or government?

Jane recognized that stories move hearts, and data moves minds. Institutions need both. At CU Boulder, we’re learning that systemic change, whether achieving carbon neutrality or embedding sustainability into the curriculum, relies on connecting the personal to the structural.

By elevating personal narratives of action and aligning them with institutional goals, we humanize the systems we seek to transform. A student’s composting project, a researcher’s breakthrough in renewable energy or a staff member’s innovative waste solution—each story becomes part of a collective movement toward systemic transformation.

The balance lies in recognizing that systemic change starts with individual conviction, and individual conviction is sustained by belonging to something larger than oneself. That’s the essence of Jane’s message, and the opportunity before all of us.

In addition to leading CU's sustainability strategy, Vice Chancellor of Sustainability Andrew Mayock serves on the board of the Jane Goodall Institute, helping to carry forward the legacy of one of the world's most influential environmental leaders.

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Sustainability

CU Boulder to co-host Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit

Related Articles

Waste not. Want? Yes

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Hellems to reopen: A new era of sustainability and learning

A thoughtful renovation for modern needs

Student-first design

Sustainability at the core

Looking ahead

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Prioritizing sustainability: A look back with Andrew Mayock

How has CU Boulder advanced in sustainability this semester?

What projects are you most excited about for the year ahead?

How can faculty, staff and students help achieve these goals?

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Small changes, big impact: Going zero waste

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From town hall to action: November Sustainability Council recap

Debrief from town hall

Next steps

Proposal form and process

Leadership transition

Engagement and learning opportunities

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Key takeaways from the Sustainability Town Hall

Campus sustainability vision

Buckley Center and research integration

Student engagement

Sustainability Council updates

Operations: Newsworthy updates

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COP movement on climate change continues despite missing US delegation

COP30's location in the Amazon carried enormous symbolic and political weight—how did this change the conversations?

How did the absence of the US shape the tone of the negotiations and the conversations?

Did the lack of US engagement open space for other countries, regions or non-state actors to step forward, or did it create a vacuum that slowed momentum?

What role did higher education institutions play at COP30, and how can they meaningfully contribute when official pathways feel gridlocked?

How did you and others from CU Boulder participate/show up at COP30 this year?

Related Articles

Plant-based dining center hacks

Related Articles

On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock

Goodall has inspired generations to care deeply about our planet. What’s next for her legacy? How is the institute evolving to meet today's global sustainability challenges?

Goodall often emphasized hope and individual action as the foundation for change. How can large institutions like CU harness that same sense of agency?

The Roots & Shoots movement empowered young people to take action in their communities. What can universities do to cultivate that same spirit of curiosity, compassion and commitment?

How can institutions balance the personal call to action with the systemic change required at the scale of higher education or government?

Related Articles