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https://theconversation.com/universities-have-a-vital-role-to-play-in-tackling-climate-change-284946>
"Governments, corporations and other institutions must all play constructive
roles in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Universities, too, can and
must help with that effort.
We are based at Royal Roads University in the south of Vancouver Island, a
region that represents how communities need to plan for climate risks both big
and small. This summer, El Niño means warmer seas and drier conditions. In
June, early melting meant the island had already reached zero per cent snowpack
reserve.
The Canadian government’s drought assessment shows above-normal temperatures
and lower precipitation across the Pacific Northwest this El Niño season. An
early-season drought — which could affect Vancouver Island — will negatively
impact farms, wetlands, wildfire risks and water demand from seasonal tourism.
Higher temperatures, tinder-dry forests and already scarce water supplies are a
lethal combination.
Given those climate realities, the most successful, influential and
forward-thinking universities won’t be measuring excellence using status
rankings and H-factors. Instead, they will show their value through
community-based metrics: directly and persistently applying their expertise to
help local communities deal with the risks they face.
This means an intentional, place-based approach to research and teaching that’s
organized around a region’s unique and specific problems — its people,
histories, economies, risks and opportunities. At a place-based or
community-embedded university, excellence comes via a whole-institutional
approach that goes beyond rhetoric to meaningful action."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
