National sustainability week begins

Today, Portland State kicked off a weeklong series of talks and activities in honor of National Sustainability Week.

University President Wim Wiewel began the event with an address highlighting the importance for sustainability leadership to a group of nearly 30 students, faculty, staff and community members gathered in the Multicultural Center.

“This is a great opportunity to create community, to have an impact on our area and to send a symbolic and real message to the world about the possibilities [of sustainability leadership],” Wiewel said.

The event also featured Douglas Cohen, chair of the National Youth Initiatives of U.S. Partnership for the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, which is co-sponsoring the events with the Students for Leadership in Ecology, Culture and Learning student group.

Cohen began his talk with the challenge to, “imagine a Portland that is thriving, green and just.”
He said that this thought, given to him by a partner in sustainability, is hopefully inspirational to the community of Portland as a goal.

The purpose of the week, recognized by communities across the country, is for participants to further understand their role in bridging local, regional and global issues to affect a just, livable, diverse and sustainable world, according to a press release.

More information about the week’s events can be found at www.wiseearth.org.