SE Valley Times

This month, a student-led initiative at Arizona State University (ASU) brought together government officials, entrepreneurs, and nongovernmental organizations to discuss sustainable carbon solutions. The second annual Carbon Summit was held from October 24 to 25 at the Student Pavilion.

Speakers addressed various carbon-related topics including food transitions, energy transitions, circular economies, climate adaptation, and sustainability. Jason Marmon, a graduate student who directed the event, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing pressing challenges. "We're finding common ground for common good," said Marmon. "We need to have consensus on priorities for society and for communities... We need to put our differences aside and focus on what we can agree on."

The summit was organized by the Carbon Council, a student organization with partners such as AZ CleanTech and ASU's Undergraduate and Graduate Student Governments. It featured speeches and presentations from leaders within ASU and beyond.

Marc Campbell, assistant vice president of sustainability at ASU, discussed the university's aim of becoming fully sustainable. He noted that defining what it means to be a “fully sustainable university” is complex but emphasized that achieving this goal involves collective effort across the institution. "I can sit in my office and come up with a definition of a ‘fully sustainable university.’ I can come up with revised goals," he stated. "But this isn't about me... This is about all of us."

Campbell highlighted that decarbonization will require years of focused efforts but noted that those involved are not discouraged by the challenge.

Sandra Perez, co-founder and president of the Carbon Council, stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in sustainability efforts. "There are so many students across all these different ASU schools who have the same passion for sustainability," she said. Perez encouraged students to engage actively in sustainability initiatives regardless of their current qualifications or timing.

For those who missed this year's summit, it was recorded and is available online.