Two issues of profound importance for the world have become entangled:  the changing of the forces of nature and the basic nurture of human beings.  Global warming and food security are huge questions with daily implications that are bringing new urgency to decisions about equitable food policy.    Joining the needs of the poor and the needs of the planet have become headlines in our daily newspapers and grist for political dialogue in capitals around the world.   According to a spokesperson for the National Center for Atmospheric Research the problem of climate change is now recognized as being “serious, certain and sure.”   Like the hard lesson that a nation cannot exist “half slave and half free” concerned citizens are becoming intensely aware that a viable planet cannot long persist half green and half barren. 

The signs are all around us.  The issue papers in the packet lay out hundreds of irrefutable facts about climate change.  Everyday activities are colliding with the evidence of the planet’s degeneration due to our “ugly ecological footprints” and their negative impact on a desirable quality of life for all, rich and poor.  We are at a critical “tipping point” when the critical mass of public interest could translate into new and responsible public policies . . . or it could paralyze the body politic from taking any steps at all.

The teleconference advisory committee that meets each February to prepare manuals for action related to the topic of the broadcast were inspired to develop ideas for encouraging the adoption of campus plans to help insure that students will learn how to leave green footprints as they study and work and play.   The college community can be a primary laboratory for training young citizens to make informed choices about necessary changes in attitudes and actions.   Too often people seem to be competing to establish which are the worst threats to society.  How much better it would be if we were all working together to find the best answers to our worst fears! 

According to an observer  “political will is a natural resource.”  Ending hunger and choosing to walk on green paths will require a strength of will nurtured by an unlimited breadth of knowledge and sensitivity perhaps most easily acquired in an academic setting.  Greening the World for All can start with the millions of students on hundreds of campuses in thousands of classrooms.  It may not be easy being green but let’s see what happens when every possible combination of ideas, people and resources are focused on the search for new answers to old challenges!!  Where is Kermit when you need him!  I am sure that wise old frog would advise a very thoughtful response to the outpouring of climate change information . . . . acting before it’s too late.

         Patricia Young 
         National Coordinator