Oftentimes, when speaking with students on campus about the environment and the challenges we collectively face, I hear frustration and a deep sense of urgency as they express their concerns about the state of the planet and the impact it will have on their future. To this end, April is Earth Month. A month that gives us all a chance to reflect on the state of our planet. This month also serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect and preserve our environment for future generations.
Pace University President Marvin Krislov at the "New York Climate Exchange" at Governors Island
While all of us need to take a proactive role in protecting our planet for the future, it is on us who are charged with educating future generations to empower students to be the next leaders on the environmental front.
Environmental law and advocacy is a field that plays a crucial role in shaping policy on protecting our planet. Leaders in this space have growing influence over the decision-making driving change on behalf of our planet. At the center of its mission, environmental law and advocacy is about finding ways to protect our natural resources and safeguard future generations against decisions that often are penny wise and pound foolish.
This task is not insignificant, it demands an understanding of complex legal frameworks mixed with a strong sense of social responsibility.
As the president of Pace University, I am in awe of the work being done on our campuses to advance the study of – and advocacy for – how to protect our planet. Our faculty members are leading experts in their field and are training students that will shape this arena for generations and our students are passionate, driven, and eager to make a positive impact on our world and advocate for meaningful change.
Today, we are all facing unprecedented challenges to our environment – and our students must navigate the politically charged obstacles hindering its protection.
These challenges threaten not only our planet’s long-term future but also our own health and future prosperity. It is vital that we act now to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future.
As leaders in education, we must show our students that environmental law and advocacy is an influential tool for creating positive change in our society. Together, we can all make a real difference in the fight against climate change. Our work in advancing this cause is not only about protecting our planet and our health but also about protecting our communities and our economy.
At Pace, we are proud to be at the forefront of this crucial mission, particularly through the outstanding work being done at our Elisabeth Haub School of Law and participation in collaborative efforts which will shape the future of the environment both here and abroad.
For the fourth consecutive year, Haub Law has been named the top environmental law program in the nation by US News & World Report. This distinct honor is made possible by the dedication and expertise of our faculty, the focus of our students on protecting our planet for their generation and the generations following them, and the commitment of our institution to advancing our shared future. Just last spring, we proudly joined the winning collaboration chosen by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and The Trust for Governors Island. This initiative will create a world-leading climate solutions center on the 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor – known as the “New York Climate Exchange.”
As we recognize Earth Month, we must not only recognize the importance of advancing environmental law and advocacy but also the role that all of us can play in protecting our planet. No matter your position in life, you are still inhabiting this planet and there are numerous ways you can get involved in the fight for environmental justice. From advocating for policy change to reducing your carbon footprint to spreading the word about the importance of environmental stewardship, we all have a part to play in building a more sustainable future.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can protect our planet. And together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
