After a sweaty, miserable first week of classes, Canton has finally cooled down to tolerable temperatures. Summer 2018 was the hottest on record, which may come as a surprise to those of us who know Canton for its long, bitterly cold winters.
In fact, climate trends show that winters are starting later and ending later than in years past. Madison O’Shea ‘19, a St. Lawrence student who grew up in Canton, remembers when snowfall started at the end of Oct. In recent years, snowflakes have not hit the ground until Dec.
While weather is not the same as climate, as climate represents the long term, repeated weather patterns over recent years suggest that this is part of a bigger overall trend: the signs point to climate change. As average temperatures rise globally, potential effects occurring include rising sea levels, increased intensity of storms, drought, and on a local level, changes in weather patterns.
The majority of environmental scientists agree that humans have contributed to climate change mainly due to the greenhouse gases emitted into the air from industrial processes.
Despite national leaders backing out of the Paris Agreement, which holds countries accountable for their greenhouse gas emissions, there is evidence to support human -caused climate change. It is hard to say if the effects on the planet will be reversible or if we have already caused too much harm.
What does this mean for St. Lawrence? With hotter years yet to come, it is important to note that very few buildings on campus have air conditioning. The St. Lawrence Facilities website states that “except for a relatively few days during the summer season, ventilation from fans and open windows is generally a satisfactory means to maintain reasonable working conditions in most spaces.” Students are not allowed to bring their own air conditioner either.
According to a Harvard study, heat greatly affects student academic performance. In upcoming years, St. Lawrence might need to install air conditioning across campus for student safety, though costs would likely be an obstacle.
Another aspect that should be taken into consideration on an environmentally friendly campus is that the outputs from generic air conditioners actually contribute to climate change. Kirk Douglas Hall utilizes geothermal heating and cooling, which decreases energy use, environmental impact and associated costs. Perhaps this could be used as a model for future buildings and renovations.
People often talk about weather when they run out of things to say, but up until now, climate change seemed like a problem that existed somewhere else. Now there is evidence that climate change will bring effects closer to home.
St. Lawrence has taken some initiative, recently making a commitment to climate neutrality by 2040. The University has also just signed a 20-year contract with a solar farm to help reduce emissions. St. Lawrence may have taken a step in the right direction, but in terms of environmental action on campus, there is always more to be done.